Midwest Masters Sweep Report

[Race Report by Mark Salzler]

Congratulations to all on an incredible day of racing.

Men's 4+ Silver (Bill, Steve, Mark, Max and Mary). This race was our current Sweep team's first attempt at a non rec race. The boat lived up to the challenge, taking a Silver with a blistering (literally) raw time of 3:21.99. The first place Western Reserve Crew (Cleveland) had one of the fastest times of the day on the water.

Mixed Rec 8+ Gold (Bill, Steve, Mark, Max, Beth M., Alison, Lauren, Karen and Angie). Angie coxed this boat to an impressive start which it held to claim an 11 second margin over the nearest competitor. A great example of teamwork to make it look easy...practice pays off! Great job also by Bill in setting and maintaining a consistent stroke rate in both of the first two
races.

Mixed 4+ Gold (Vicky, Steve, Mark, Beth K and Mary) Racing in the highly competitive AA-B race, this boat fought for a hard earned raw score .35 second victory over a boat with a 12 year younger average age. A tremendous start which placed the boat in early command of the race was negated by a false start by one of the competitors. The restart saw the young Western Reserve (Cleveland) boat jump out to an early lead. GDRA chased the youngsters down and was inspired by Mary's quote (from Russell Crowe in the Gladiator ) " On my command "...UNLEASH HELL". The ensuing sprint resulted in an exhilarating finish that was too close to call...until final results were posted several hours after the race.

Women's Rec 4+ Gold (Lauren, Beth M. Alison, Karen and Mary). Making her stroke seat race debut with the GDRA Masters, former GDRA Junior Lauren started the race with an impressive 42 stroke rate. Very impressive also that her boatmates were up to the challenge. Expert coxswain Mary settled the boat to a strong consistent rate that enabled the finesse and power of the rowers to build a 5 second lead over the nearest competitor as they crushed the competition.

Mixed Rec 4+ Gold (Vicky, Max, Beth M., Ron and Angie). Waiting patiently for most of the day for his GDRA racing debut, rookie Ron made it look easy with a calm and controlled start. (You never forget your first race and glad it was a great one for Ron.) Being the only boat in the race hit by a strong launch wake, Angie calmly guided the boat through the over the gunnel
(gunwale) wake to maintain its composure.

Iron woman Beth M. won her third gold of the day as she hot seated from the Women's Rec 4+ to assist Ron, Max and Vicky to an outstanding and hard fought race.

Many, many thanks to all of those who assisted us in such a great day:

• Doug, Linda & Mike for the boat coordination and hauling and on site
  assistance
• Denise and John W. for their coaching
• Max's wife and newly designated Team Mom (Candi) for the invaluable assistance
  at launch and recovery.
• Our sculling brethren (who also had great success on the water) whose spirit
  and assistance made our races so enjoyable...after the initial pain was gone!

Next up.....Regional Midwest Master's Sprints in Indianapolis on August 1st...

See you all on the river,

Mark

P.S. The Juniors need to be told that coaches Vicky and Beth K, can truly "walk the talk"...ferocious competitors