Topeka rowers making waves statewide, nationally
5:42 p.m. Friday, July 11, 2008
Rowing is the first event in the Sunflower State Games and they hit the lake this morning at about sunrise.
But it's never too early for the Topeka Rowing Association to dominate the event. Today they won xx medals.
"Last year we ended up with seven gold and one silver here and this year it sounds like it will be the same story," Topeka rower Sara Henault said.
And it's pretty easy to take home some hardware when you have home water advantage.
"It actually feels a little bit easier, just knowing the lake and rowing with friends," Topeka rower Dustin Lubbe said.
"It's really fun to come all together because we usually don't meet anybody else who rows in Topeka or anywhere in Kansas," Topeka rower Bailey Atkinson said. "I didn't even know this many people rowed in Kansas, so it's really nice to see everyone come out. I've gotten all firsts today so far."
In recent years, the Topeka Rowing Association has brought home a lot of medals, especially gold here at the Sunflower State Games. Now three of the competitors who are competing in this week's games will next week go to Camden, New Jersey to compete in the National Championships.
"I am really excited. I don't think I am going to get too nervous but we will see when I get there hopefully make it to the finals in all my races," Bailey said.
"I'm a little nervous, but I think I will do pretty good. It will be a great time to get to know more people and I think I will do pretty good," Dustin said.
"We're just Topeka, Kansas and we are going all the way to New Jersey and people won't even know where Topeka is," Sara said. "We've had people ask us, 'You row in Kansas? There is water there?' Yes, but then we just look at them and kick their butt."
The three T-Town rowers will start competing at Nationals on Wednesday at Lake Shawnee.
Bailey, Sara, and Dustin leave for Camden, New Jersey Saturday afternoon and will have practice sessions on Tuesday.
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