Just days before their first race of the season, Collegiate Academy’s crew team is scrambling to replace their fastest four-seat boat, which was damaged in a freak highway accident. A car's muffler flew off and crashed through the trailer carrying the team’s top-performing shell.

“It’s our newest boat, it’s our fastest boat, and I would say it’s arguably the best boat our team has ever invested in,” said Head Coach Jeff Weiss.

Weiss has been with the program for more than 18 years. Instead of attempting repairs, he says the team is doing everything they can to raise enough money to purchase a brand-new boat.

“Just like anything, any boat is going to be less competitive once it's been repaired,” Weiss explained.

Repairs wouldn’t be completed in time for the upcoming season. And with a new boat costing $26,000, Weiss says it’s nearly impossible to afford one without financial help — which is why the team has launched a GoFundMe campaign.

After training year-round for this moment, Weiss says the 40 student-athletes in the program deserve a chance to race in a boat that reignites the excitement they felt before the accident.

“They were crushed — just like the bow of the boat was crushed,” Weiss explained.

Boat or not, Coach Weiss is confident his rowers will rise to the challenge and make their season count.