The Expectation
The ARION team is comprised of up to 18 athletes, 3 coaches, and the SRA community.
Good friends in the extra mile
By coaching the junior programs of SRA, the athletes of ARION gain valuable insight as they develop their coaching "eye". Along the way, they stay connected to the joyous passion of the kids in the sport, and make some money in a job which works alongside their training schedule.
ARION Residential
The ARION program can support up to 8 residential athletes. The program dues include equipment storage or usage, room and utilities, training fees, most regatta entry fees, most training trip lodging fees. The dues do not cover food, and sometimes do not cover flights. In addition to the residential program dues, ARION athletes are expected to work to support the regattas hosted by Saratoga Rowing. There are also coaching hours available working with the various programs of Saratoga Rowing. The hours are paid. Additional paid hours are available for ARION athletes working to support SRA through any number of projects from boathouse organization to cleaning ergs to landscaping. The more dependable and willing the athlete the more hours are available and the more responsibility is given. In addition to in person hours, there are hours that can be done remotely - which is helpful while on training trips.
ARION Non-residential
ARION athletes also have the option to be non-residential athletes. For this the program dues are $50 per month. This covers all the same perks and privileges as the residential program. The same regatta support hours are still required. Athletes are encouraged to bring their own skill sets to SRA as well. If you are great with web-design you can take over for me!
ARION Expectations
ARION athletes should maintain a growth mindset over time to achieve the desired results. It is expected that athletes complete all the prescribed work within the confines of physical and mental health. It is also expected that athletes understand the training program is designed to be a path to a destination. Deviations from that path, regardless of the reason, are still deviations from the path and may not lead to the same result. One should expect to grow as an athlete, a coach, an employee, and a human during the time at ARION.
It is also the case that sport in general is not a democracy, but often a meritocracy, that is to say that results matter in sport. The same can be the case in an elite training program: results and trajectory matter. This may affect some decisions on residential spaces, training trips, funding, and equipment. Athletes are given time to grow and flexibility to learn and fail and learn more, but one should always maintain a growth mindset and remember that the program is focused on international competition at the highest levels.
Athletes at ARION should also embody and endeavor to live the mottos of "good friends in the extra mile" and "gratefulness and vulnerability". We believe that the rising tide raises all boats and we celebrate the successes of our team and teammates.
