The Saturday before the first spring race is traditionally reserved for the Tank Ceremony. Held at the team house, novices learn the importance/symbolism of the racing uniform, the underlying mutual respect that comes with the tank betting tradition, how to fold/give/receive tanks after a race and finally giving them their first tanks.
Following the Tank Ceremony, the team drove out to the causeway and shaped the rocks into the Cal Aggie Rowing Logo. The varsity crew members “supervised” as the novices shaped did the heavy lifting. Pizza was provided after the work was done. Aidan Sandhoefner, Vice President, shared, “It was a great time- we love bringing back things from the team’s past and it was a good bonding experience for everyone.”
While it’s not known by the current crew when the last time the rocks were done, there are pictures from the early 2000’s at the rocks (click here to view past photos). The current crew was encouraged by Ryan West (03’-06’) to bring back the tradition. Hopefully, the team leadership that follows us will keep this going.
