coxmate Let’s face it, coxing is a lonely role. There’s only one in the boat, only one can lead a crew, and you’re definitely competing with other coxswains for positions of seniority. The coach will get on your case if something goes amiss in terms of steering or group cohesion, and so will the whole crew! But what does this do for coxswain camradery? Short answer: nothin’.
Coxswains talking “team”
We had the chance to catch up with University of California Davis coxswains Antonia McKee and Justin Nool, who gave us a little insight into what they think is lacking in the coxing side of our sport.
Antonia says: “Some varsity coxswains are always at each other's throats and trying to get one up over each other. It is understandable but Justin and I tell each other after the outing what the coach said to us and we even hand signal each other from the coach's launch! Collaborating like this saves so much energy and helps each other's chances. We will get more opportunities because we work together.
(What Justin and I do) Is a very productive way to cox - we get more feedback from each other in bettering ourselves on and off the water. You can be competitive yet respectful and productive. You can't be coxing and doing your job if you are only focused on yourself.”
So is Coxing now a team sport?
We think this is a really interesting new spin on coxing. Rowing is a team sport and the coxswain more than anyone else needs to exemplify that, because they’re responsible for the entire team. All of the crews could improve if coxswains would share the coach’s notes with one another. Not to mention, it would create a much more fun environment within the club, and take the role of the coxswain from lonely to supported. Coxswains can learn from each other, so why not share the knowledge?
What do you think? Can coxswains learn to work together?
Read full interview with Antonia McKee and Justin Nool.
