Collegiate Teams Paddle for National Title
21 Oct
Fall, we think, is a collegiate time of year. Youthful energy crackles with the start of the new school year. Stately college buildings are beautified in the autumn colors. Who doesn’t have fond memories of October afternoons on a college campus?
In that spirit — and as avid paddlers, of course — we were pleased to see that the American Canoe Association sponsored the U.S. National Collegiate Canoe and Kayak Championship. This year’s edition of the two-day contest, held in Fredericksburg, Virginia recently, saw Albion College of Michigan claim the overall team title, winning five of the championship’s six events.
Coed teams of at least six student-athletes each competed in singles kayak races, singles open canoe races, and a mixed tandem open canoe race, each over a two-mile-long whitewater section on the Rappahannock River. Competition culminated with a six-member relay race over a six mile course.
“The camaraderie of the students from the various colleges during the race and at the bonfire cookout after Saturday’s races, was a real treat for the race officials” ACA President Kirk Havens said. “College teams were already planning to hone their skills for next year.”
Fredericksburg will also host the 2009 championship next October.
The Fredericksburg Free-Lance Star published THIS story (with photos) on the competition.
