After being a part of the Suffern Crew Team for four years, there are some things that have stood out as unique parts of our team.

If you've been a part of this team in the past or are a current member, I'm sure you can relate to at least one of these many points.

1. It's not just pre-season, it's pre-pre-pre season

While most Spring sports begin their pre-season in January, our season never ends. When summer rowing ends, lifts begin (and never end).

2. You look forward to states, no matter how cold it is

As if we don't spend enough time together, spending the weekend together in Saratoga is always a favorite, rain or shine. Plus, who doesn't love tents full of apparel and a Ben and Jerry's stand?

3. You've run "the hill"

Whether it's ten short or five long, you've been there.

4. 2K Tuesday is your favorite day

Just kidding! Even though it's everyone's least favorite day, the feeling of a PR tops everything.

5. The feeling of relief when the run to the reservoir is cancelled

Not much running is asked of us, yet you can't deny the relief you feel when that half mile to the reservoir is cancelled, especially when you forgot sneakers.

6. Bus traditions

You always anticipate hearing "Rusty's Place" as you come down the hill to the stop sign, even if it has become Merchant's Ware. You also know the routine when you hear "prize of the day."

7. You own a pillow pet

What better cuddle buddy is there to have on a 4am bus ride?

8. You live in crew apparel

With t-shirts sold at every regatta and three clothing orders each season, you can't help but be in crew apparel all the time, every day, head to toe.

9. You've sung Dancing Queen at least twice

A classic bus jam, you can't resist.

10. No one outside the team understands when you tell them that HVRL is more important than states

We all know the importance of HVRL over states, although nobody else ever seems to understand no matter how many times you explain it.

11. The jacket

One of the most identifiable features of any Suffern Crew rower, coxswain, or coach is the boathouse jacket. You live in it.

12. "Add ten pounds"

Just when you thought you were lifting your max, Rahman pushes you to your new max.

13. You own crocs

You take pride in your multi-colored, jibbitz-filled creation.

14. The bus leaves at 4:15am, with or without you

The bus will wait until 4:45, it won't leave without you.

15. The swim test

While nobody likes swimming in their clothes, it's always worth it to see the guy catch the ejector crab in the safety video.

16. The bridge, the power lines, the damn

Without an explanation, you know exactly where I'm referring to and you know where the water turns from calm reservoir to ocean waves.

17. You LOVE the food tent

Whether it's the blueberry muffins, the chocolate milk, or the Oreo pudding, being able to eat at the food tent is one of the main things getting you through that race.

18. Blisters

Don't hold hands, don't shake hands, don't put Purell on your hands: they will hurt.

19. You know the definition of insanity

Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results, thanks Jacoby.

20. You always carry extra clothes

Because you never know if it'll be your day to fall into the reservoir.

21. Pasta parties

If the food tent wasn't enough, you've also eaten your weight in pasta while sitting around a fire on Friday nights (unless you're a lightweight, then I'm sorry).

22. Frisbee

We're not just a crew team, we're also an ultimate frisbee team.

23. Spinning medals

Who doesn't want a spinning medal? Especially if it means you're a League Champion

24. You've gone for a swim in the Hudson River

Thrown, pushed, or jumped, you've been in the Hudson after HVRL.

25. No matter what, you love it, you love it

And you can never get enough of it.

All of these make us a unique team that it was an honor to be a apart of. Suffern Crew definitely changes everyone's high school experience for the better as we quickly become a family throughout each season. Although I wrote the twenty-five most significant signs to me, there are many more great things that are unique to our team.