Tabor Academy’s boys varsity crew in the first boat may be ranked number one in New England, but that doesn’t make them complacent, said coach Taylor Washburn.

“Last year we had a good season,” Washburn said. “Three of our boats made it to the grand final but fell short of medals. That memory is still with us that we got there but it wasn’t quite enough.”

Falling short of the gold last year motivated the team’s five seniors and four juniors to push themselves, Washburn said.

“These guys have been motivated from the get-go,” he said. “They logged in practice hours on their own before the season began. They made a long-term commitment to build towards something.”

The team includes local students Chan Walker, of Marion, and Connor Barley, of Mattapoisett.

“We have good senior leadership and strong competition,” he said. “It’s been a pretty special group of guys. We have the same lineup as last year so that’s allowed them to gel. They’ve developed a lot of trust and get along well.”

On Saturday, May 26 the boys will travel to Worcester to compete in the annual New England Interscholastic Rowing Association Championships held on Lake Quinsigamond.

To prepare for the race, the Seawolves have been practicing five days a week. While he is hopeful for a win, Washburn said he knows the boys will have to bring their “A” game.

“They’ve really earned the right to be in competition for a medal, but we all know we can’t go in there and have a mediocre race,” Washburn said. “We need to have a good race. Nothing is going to be handed to them.”

The boys are also gearing up as one of 11 high schools competing in the Henley Royal Regatta in Henley-on-Thames in England.

Washburn said the team was invited to participate based on their past performance. Past Tabor teams have won the competition four times.

“It’s an exciting time for this group,” he said. “Every once in a while when we feel we have a good crew we’ll send them over there. I’m certainly excited to work with these guys another month. They’re getting themselves ready mentally and physically.”