Head of the St. Johns
The Head of the St. John’s got off to an interesting start.  The meeting place was the school parking lot for a head count.  While the parents, half awake with coffee in hand, starring into the darkness of the early morning hour and feeling no end to their sleep deprivation, the rowers appeared to be bright eyed and anxious about the days event.  Everyone knew where the event was to take place but once there no one knew where the tent was.  While listening to the sounds of frantic voices and wondering aimlessly in the dark, the Boone Crew tent was located.  The sun was beginning to peer over the horizon and making its appearance.  At first light parents and rowers had sprung into action.  While the orange and white strip tent was being raised the hospitality tables were being set up with lots of food for the rowers and their appetites.  There were muffins and bagels of all sorts, cereal, fruit, granola bars, milk, O.J., apple juice, trail mix and lots of water and Gatorade.

After the completion of the set up, family, friends and fans watched the rowers depart from the dock for the 3-mile row to the start line.  After several long minutes, the riverfront was lined with anxious spectators watching and waiting for signs of the rowers to make their appearance in the distance.  As each Boone Crew boat appeared, they rowed hard and they rowed strong to the beat of the Boone Crew drum.  For each parent the look of relief that their child was back in eye view but proud of their accomplishment.  All boats were accounted for except for one 8-man boat.  Word traveled quickly to the waiting parents that the 8-man boat had a broken rigger.  They were asking questions amongst themselves.  What will they do now?  How will they get back?  Would they row with only 6 rowers or not at all?  The instinctive nature of a parent is to fix the problem for them.  But you can’t.  They are on their own.  As the parents stood silently staring out onto the water waiting for word, there in the distance the most astonishing sight was the 8-man boat rowing hard and furious towards the finish line.  For the individual rowers, there was a burning fury in them.  They were fueled by determination to prove not only to themselves but also to their coach, parents and fans that they were unstoppable. They’re quick thinking for a quick fix, bungee cords were used to hold the rigger together and they were able to start and finish their leg of the race.  Everyone was speechless.  Parents were even more proud of their child’s ingenious and creative thinking.  Congratulations to the 8-man boat for the unthinkable recovery to allow you to complete the race and to all the rowers for a job well done.

The weather was good, the kids had fun and rowed well and the parents had overcome their sleep deprivation.  However, it was unfortunate that the remainder of the race was cancelled due to windy conditions and rough waters. 

To all the parents and rowers, I thank you for your assistance in helping with the large tent and hospitality set up.  A special thanks to Theresa Hawkins for her enthusiasm and encouragement and assistance with the food preparation.  And to Tim Hartman (Shawn Barnes), to allow us the use his cargo van to transport the coolers and food to the Head of the St. John’s.

Until next time to all the rowers continue to practice hard and practice strong.

Nancy Neun
Hospitality Chair