Local crew teams compete in Brundage Regatta today
By KERRY PATRICK, kpatrick@newsandsentinel.comPARKERSBURG — In high school crew, any animosity between city rivals Parkersburg and Parkersburg South is pushed aside.
Competition is still fierce, but the team programs are there for one another.
Such will be the case again today at the 35th annual Brundage Regatta when PHS and Parkersburg South are joined in the field by Marietta. Racing begins at 9 a.m. with the last event scheduled for approximately 2 p.m.
“This event is wonderful,” said Donna Kramer, who is not only a parent of two PHS crew members but also serves as one of the coordinators of the meet. “We put up tents at the away regattas and we root for each other’s kids. We work closely with the parents and boosters from PHS and South to pull off an event like this.”
A prime example of the two program’s camaraderie occurred last week at the Midwest Invitational where PHS qualified three boats for next week’s national meet in Oak Ridge, Tenn. At the Midwest Invitational, a rower from the Parkersburg South boys’ lightweight 4 entry fell unconscious at the end of a race while still in the boat.
The youngster was pulled out of the boat and while he was being attended to, members from both teams used their hoodies to keep him covered and prevent hypothermia from setting in. PHS members also helped get the boat back in storage.
“It was one of the most frightening things to witness, but for everyone to come together was really heartwarming,” Kramer said.
The Brundage Regatta, meanwhile, in named in honor of Dr. Oliver Brundage — the founder of the rowing in Parkersburg.
Brundage, who served as the physician for the United States rowing team, introduced rowing to the community.
He and a friend purchased a boat, refurbished it and what they started turned into the Ohio Valley Rowing Club.
“This is a real good opportunity for someone who isn’t a rower — who is a high school student or in junior high school to come out and see what rowing is all about,” OVRC president Lee Pritchard said.
“We will have a learn-to-row clinic this summer for students who have never rowed before who might have an interest in rowing competitively.”
Today’s schedule also includes exhibition races among alumni and another for the coxswain. PHS is the defending team champion.
“Our season has ended up fabulously — the kids have worked really hard,” PHS boys coach Richard Fulton said.
