2016 Race Day - PIDBF
Coach: John M. --- Captain: Kirsten S.
Some thoughts on the whole experience from the team:
"John, I have been coaching for 30 years both at work and with my kids but I have to say the way you handled our team was a master piece.
Your strategy, the way you handled the group, your knowledge of the sport and of course your drive to win made me personally give everything I had in the tank and then a little more." -Mike H.
"The PA Grainger members did an awesome job for their first race! The Black Dragons bought great intensity and focus. The team gelled together great and the results speak for themselves, congratulations to everyone!" -Paul M.
"Kirsten, thank you for making this such a smooth day. Couldn’t have asked for a better Captain!
John, I felt privileged having you as our coach. Thank you for pushing us to the limit.
Everyone, thank you for making this such a memorable day. I’m looking forward to joining the team again next year and bringing home gold!" -Jen A.
"It was a great day, the best part was the team and enjoying the day together. I appreciate each of you." -Joe W.
"What a wonderful team-bonding experience. I am very grateful for having the opportunity to race with each and every one of you. I too, would like to be a part of it next year.
A very special thank-you goes out to everyone who traveled such a long way. We have learned so much from you. Thanks again for inviting me to join the team!" -Natalie W.
THE THREE RACE RESULTS:
T'was a dreary day weather-wise, but the fire was in our hearts!
Here are the Chicago team members! We love them :)
GoPro of the 2nd race. C Division. Our finish time was 2:27.78
Spectator footage of race 3. You can briefly see the collision of lane 2 into lane 1 around the 30 second point.
Coach John was amazing. He took two teams, and built one magnificent team for the Philadelphia festival. He inspired all of us to give everything we had.
He is a dragon boat GURU!
Pep talkin' and strategizing:
Marshaling for Race 2:
Race 2:
Hello, Captain!
During our practices, I had asked Kris and JW to be the "Strokes"... the paddlers in the front that set the pace.
They continued in this seat for all three of our races, setting the pace for our win! I'm SUPER proud of them!
The whole team
Looking forward to next year! Go Grainger Philadelphia Dragons! We are the Ones Who Get It Done!
