Master's Mixup

Masters Mixup is a good time for reflection ...

New boats were christened - the Steve Irwin, Shawnee and Rev. Jon O'Brien, SJ.  We row in the shadow of those who came before us, from the Shawnee tribes who first rowed the Allegheny, to more recent club members and national champs, to professional "triple threats" (clergy, lawyer, doctor).

The races are made up of color coded teams with members from each of TRRA masters' teams.  There are two sprint heats and a head race around the island.

Progression of events/corresponding thoughts:

Before the start - weather looks bad, never rowed with these people, it's just for fun, no big deal.

At the start, Heat #1- 3 seat never raced, doesn't know what a starting sequence is.  Going to be a long day.

500 m of choppy hard rowing, one seat off track, one crab.  DFL.

Heat #2: row to starting line feels worse than Heat #1, is that even possible?

Crisp start, neck and neck ... What is going on here?

Mid point still close?!

Miracle happens, timing good, swinging together WALKING UP THE LEAD BOAT.

FIRST PLACE!!!!

Aaaaaannnd ... The medals (cue Lets Make A Deal Fail Music)

It was just for fun after all!

Some random shots