Posted by Lauren Grossberg on Tue, May 04, 2010
The Oakcrest High School girls' crew team in New Jersey has a secret weapon. Coxswain Casey Rowlinson is not only a great leader, but uses sign language to signal race tactics and practice drills to deaf team member, Katelyn Poley.
Katelyn, who was born deaf, is able to be a part of the crew team, mainly because of teammate, Casey. Because Casey struggled with speech issues when she was a child, she often used sign language. The phrases and signals she now uses have made their way to other team members. Phrases like "good job" are often expressed throughout the team. The girls' coach has even learned a few phrases that he likes to use to communicate with the team.
Just because Katelyn cannot hear, that does not limit her skills on the team. She can perform just as well as the other members. Instead of hearing commands and instruction, she sees it. Because she is in the front of the rowers, it is her pace that the rest of the team must follow. That is why it is so important for her communication with Casey to be so on point.
There are many signals that the two girls have, as crew teams often do not row at the same pace during a race. The girls have many set symbols, but sometimes they just improvise, which is often times easier than just shouting out instructions.
The sign language, which is a common sight at team practices, is working to bring the girls together. This story is a great example of including all students to be part of a team.
Photo By: Ivy Dawned
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