This weekend's Dogwood Invitational in Oak Ridge marked the last race I will attend as the President of Tennessee Crew. It's surreal to think that this marks two years of learning and self development my post at office has brought me.
I'd be lying if I said it was easy, that I'd done a great job, or that I feel like I got a lot accomplished. On the other hand I can assure you that I have learned a lot, more even than I could have learned in any class. I have made great friends, good acquaintances, and pissed off a few I'm sure.
The team has not grown drastically or stacked up medals. We still struggle to make ends meet, and people often ask, "who's running this crap shoot?". Alternatively I think I am partly responsible for a lot of added intrinsic value. In these two years over 45 different people have been club members, we have traveled to 21 races in 8 states, we won the Club 8+ at the Hooch, sent boats to National Championships, and started our own Head Race. Best of all, I only had to file one injury report in two years: a toe that lost a fight with a steel door. Can't win 'em all.
As for races this weekend: 1st place in the open men's pair with Ande; we remain undefeated. I am much more excited about the time than the place (only two other boats in the race). With the 7:34 we pulled I look forward to USRowing college nationals with a little more optimism.
The mixed 4+ and 8+ I raced with Master's Coaching where also great races (1st in both). It was also great to see the other ORRA and Tennessee Crew boats that raced. Ande & Bailey had a great row in the mixed 2x, and Sam & Brett also in the 2x. both with raw time wins but Master's age adjustment pushed them back. JJ & Ande also looked good in their 2x. The ORRA mixed 8+'s, men's 4+, women's 4+s, mixed 4x, and men's 4x also made good showings. Special kudos to the first-time racers this weekend.
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