Community the key to success for Wayland-Weston Rowing

Over the years, the town of Weston has become a breeding ground for individual and team success in the sport of rowing. Those involved with the sport believe a local non-profit has played an integral role in fostering a winning culture. 

As summer came to a close, more than a hundred athletes from Weston High School and Wayland High School took part in the Wayland-Weston Rowing Association’s (WWRA) high school program, recognized by both districts as an official varsity sport. 

While the high school age group draws the largest crowd, the WWRA offers adults, children and middle school students the opportunity to row.

Since its founding in 2000, the WWRA has been introducing, familiarizing and developing rowers from those who just want to learn a new sport, to some who have gone on to compete at the Olympic level. 

WWRA girls high school coach Beatrice Sims-Mackie said that while other sports may be harder to pick up for the first time, rowing is perfect for someone looking to try something new. 

“It’s the ultimate team sport,” said Sims-Mackie. “When you’re in a boat with four or eight others it’s not about the individual. Everyone has to be together.”

Sims-Mackie said the sport is a great way to teach commitment, dedication and accountability to student athletes. For adults, she added, it’s a great way to connect with the water and take on a peaceful hobby. 

Some adults in the program participate in races, while others just like to practice by themselves or with one other rower in smaller-sized boats. 

“My favorite part of being involved is getting to work with the athletes and seeing lightbulb moments, where you see things start to click,” said Sims-Mackie. “Getting through to kids who are new to the sport is a special feeling.”

Since the varsity program is made up of students from two high schools, it has helped form friendships between students who might not otherwise have gotten to know one another. 

“There’s a beauty of belonging to a multi-town sport,” said WWRA President Lisa Lappi. “It gets them out of their bubble.”

Lappi said the WWRA is a place where excellence and inclusivity go hand-in-hand, a combination which she said is rare to find in this day and age. 

“You don’t have to be the biggest, fastest or strongest kid,” said Lappi. “We have athletes who have never picked up an oar competing with athletes aspiring to compete at the highest level of the sport.”

Lappi said the goal is for every athlete at all age levels to find their space, community and success, and that success looks different for each member of the WWRA. 

“We are proud of competitive achievements and equally proud of the culture that makes these achievements possible,” said Lappi. “It’s an extraordinary community of coaches, alumni and volunteers. Everyone comes together to support these athletes.”

The organization is seeing more adults rowing than in recent years. There is currently a waitlist in certain levels because of the popularity of the sport and programs. 

On land, Lappi said the current focus is fundraising to build out the organization’s arsenal of rowing equipment. 

“We want to be able to provide more opportunities for kids, and have as many beginner boats available as possible,” said Lappi.