Coxswain

Definition of COXSWAIN
1: a sailor who has charge of a ship's boat and its crew and who usually steers
2: a steersman of a racing shell who usually directs the rowers

Origin of COXSWAIN
Middle English cokswayne, from cok cockboat (a small boat) + swain servant
First Known Use: 15th century

Not only does the coxswain direct rowers, but is responsible for motivation, steering, running drills, safety of the rowers, correcting technique issues in the boat, and calling out rowers on their mistakes. There is a common phrase used for coxswains: "If you're looking for recognition, you're in the wrong sport. When the boat wins, the rowers get credit. When the boat loses, it's your fault."


Men's Crew Regatta 2010
2k race
Eastern Conference Championships
Coxswain Calls

1st 500 meters
- Start
- 10 strokes to settle rate
- Legs
- Knees down
- Squeeze legs
- Jump
- Stand on it
- Push with the heels
- Stomp on it
- Reach
- Quick swing
- Pop the hands out
- Quick hands

2nd 500 meters
- Heat on the blade
- Get stronger every stroke
- Just like that
- Keep that length
- Keep getting the job done
- Prepare to make our move in the 3rd 500 meters
- These other crews aren't gonna know what hit him
- We got one change at this

3rd 500 meters
- Commitment 15 – you're already committed to this team, commit to the race
- Get fired up
- We're all in this
- Do it for yourself and everyone else in the boat
- This is where we make our move
- They won't know what hit 'em
- They're hating life and we're still going strong
- Let's give them a parting gift and leave 'em behind
- We're better and they know it

4th 500 meters
- Noah's walk
- You know what time it is boys?
- It's about time to take a walk
- Get ready for it
- Hold nothing back on this one
- We've worked all season to show these crews what we got
- So let's show 'em what we can do together
- Get the power on
- Commit to each other!
- 5 strokes for the bow pair
- 5 strokes for three and four seats
- 5 strokes for five and six seats
- 5 strokes for stern pair
- Put them in the morgue
- You should have nothing left at the end of this spring
- Wave goodbye to those crews. We see their backs!