Village to Village Challenge 2005
3 mile head -- too short! Try 7 miles....
FAIRPORT, NY USA - At a time when most people in upstate New York are sharpening their skis, 35 scullers set out Saturday November
5th on the 4th annual Village to Village Challenge. The seven mile head race ran on the Erie Canal between Pittsford and Fairport, just
east of Rochester. A warm morning with beatiful fall foliage was enjoyed by all racers, in sharp contrast to previous years' races held in
freezing weather.
Dick Kendall, two weeks rested from his Head of the Charles win, was looking to defend his last year’s handicapped victory over an
assortment of Master scullers. However, it was Dave Woodard of Cascadilla Boat Club who came away with the Ted Sprague Trophy,
awarded to the fastest sculler over the age of 50 with handicap. The trophy is named in honor of Ted Sprague, the well known master
sculler who passed away last year.
Mike Bannister, coming off a 2nd place finish in the 40+ age group at the Head of the Schuylkill, grabbed first place in the Masters
30-49 age group with a raw time of 45 minutes flat. In good fun, it was suggested that perhaps this was due to a home course
advantage.
Completing the Masters event winners, John Dancks won first place in the 50-59 age group.
In the Open events, Trevor Reece, a 17-year old high school student from Saint Catharines, Ontario, Canada, set the course record
for the Mens single with a time of 43:54:0. Katy Foley won the Women’s Open division with a time of 55:24.
Vince Reynolds from Syracuse won the Men's REC single.
In the Junior events, Caitlyn Bannister from Fairport Crew Club won the Jr. Girls Single. Ryan Kavanaugh and Bryce Lednar (McQuaid/FCC
Composite) won the Jr. Boys Double.
With reporting and writing by John Bowen.
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