Saturday, February 27, 2010

Platforms from which we jump

NW Rowing Awards

From the key note speakers, Anna and Bob Jr Cummins I learned about some outside factors that define and shape a champion. The conclusion came to platforms from which champs can jump to reach new heights. Thank you to my platforms and support group. I’m bouncing like a Tigger!

Lake Union hosted the annual NW Rowing Awards. The beautiful venue was intimate and warm. Thank you to Caitlin McClain for putting it all together. The food was really good. I believe we have Conel Groom to thank for the tasty linner (something between lunch and dinner).
I was nominated for crew of the year, and received the 2010 NW Rowing Crew of the Year Award.

To have the title be crew, indicated that I did not achieve this on my own. And tying in to the keynote speakers, we achieve great things when we recognize the help from those around who donate and offer their time and money. Coaches, medical staff, benefactors, housing, were some of the points mentioned. Thank you so much to my platforms who help me achieve. Often silently in the background. Thank you Greg, Terri, Sheryl and Judy for coming to the dinner and supporting me. Thank you also to Kathy McCormack, who encouraged me to get out there and row!

Sunday, February 14, 2010

C.R.A.S.H-B's



Known as the World Indoor Rowing Championships, the event drew a record crowd at Boston University’s Agganis Arena. Over 2,000 athletes from across the globe vied for the famed hammer trophy. The C.R.A.S.H.-B. Sprints originated in 1982 when a group of Boston rowers, some on the US National and Olympic Rowing teams training out of Harvard University’s Newell Boathouse, named themselves the “Charles River All-Star Has-Beens” and organized the first indoor meet of its kind. Today, the C.R.A.S.H.-B.

I was back in Boston after Head of the Charles. This time the Charles was unrowable. The frozen memories reflected back as we drove past.

Once again, the Driscoll/Houlihan family hosted us. And Margaret and Tim came out to visit with Carlos and myself. The table was full of conversation as I remember from St. Catherines at the Ridley Gate Manor.

JL Racing shipped out my race uni, and hopefully soon we will be designing more Ursula gear. I’m thinking a crazy mix of african patterns, and then the stars and purple continues to identify me.

Valentines day dawned and my date with a C2 ergometer was waiting. At the start of the race, a multi-national line pulled hard, as I heard greek, french, and german around me. The end result was not quite what I wanted. However quite an experience to learn from.

For complete results, visit http://www.crash-b.org
For more photos, visit http://scullingfool.smugmug.com