Masters National Head Race Recap

The inaugural Masters National Head Race was held in Cleveland, OH on the Cuyahoga River, one of my favorite head courses. And while there were not a lot of entries this year, there was still some good racing and medals awarded by Olympians, Susan Francia and Margot Shumway, many to TRRA teams. While I know it is an obscure fact it should be noted that the TRRAMW Masters 8+ was the first boat across the finish line of this first National Masters Head Race!

The Head of the Cuyahoga 2011 recap describes the challenges of this curvy course and surprising appeal of the urban post-modern landscape. TRRA MW received medals in every race they entered, although veracity compels me to add that there often were only 1, 2 or 3 entrants. Still our boats were strong and posted good times. Nate's skillful navigating of the course, helped us by cutting corners close and decreasing pressure as little as was absolutely necessary.

The regatta hosted  morning and afternoon award ceremonies during which Susan Francia and Margot Shumway placed medals on each rower and posed for photos. Earlier in the day when the two women were first spotted by MW, Susan Francia let those who asked to wear her gold medal from the 8+ for photos (and she never noticed Marie trying to see if she was the same height). Both women were unassuming and gracious.

A photo of TRRMW 8+ made it into US Rowing's write up of the regatta. It comments that "On the water, Pittsburgh’s Three Rivers Rowing Association won nine gold medals to lead the way,..."