Midwest Masters Regatta 2010

The Midwest Masters in Columbus, OH, was a nice progression from the Pittsford Regatta. Far more rowers attended from both the MW and MM teams, there were more events and deeper competition. Held at the Griggs reservoir in NW Columbus, the setting is not as scenic as Pittsford but it is an easier drive. There were complaints about the lack of a real warm-up area and quite a few people noted that they had a better row back to the start than their actual race. Still the races ran on time,  the trailers could park close to the docks, the storms stayed away (just a welcome drizzle in the morning),  and there was a pleasant "viewing area" from which you could at least see the warm-up area.

While several of the Midwest clubs fielded strong teams, the MW/MM teams medaled in almost every event that they entered and every MW came home with at least one medal! While there were many second and third places, as the day progressed there were more firsts.One of the more exciting races (admittedly I am biased because I was participating, but I heard from observers that it was a very dramatic finish) was the third flight of the womens 8+. The MW coach filled in for a missing rower and stroked one MW boat.  Despite this advantage and a slower start, the other MW boat staged an impressive challenge in the middle part of the race and ended up loosing by only .84 seconds. It was a very satisfying experience to spar with team mates in a race setting.  It should be noted that the other women's 8+,  clobbered their opponents and came in first by 6.9 seconds. Not only did MW have to compete among themselves at least one MW double had to plow through a flock of Canada geese that apparently had not gotten the message that there was a race taking place. Despite the living obstacles the double went on to finish third!

It ended up being a very hot and sweaty day, but it was a solid race for both teams - a good warm-up for future regattas.