CLRA’s team is pictured at Head of the Genesee regatta last Sunday. Pictured, in front, from left, are: Maureen Mack, Alexis Barron, Diane Paterniti, Kathleen McCarthy, Martha Abers and Carol Samuelson. In the middle are: Ali Odrzywolski, Jim Odrzywolski, Scott Montgomery, Linda Smith and Shirley Johnson. In back are: Jan Odrzywolski, Nathan Abers, Mickey Sorenson, Mike Jones, Doreen Loll, Paul Boger and Charlie McChesney. Photo by Jim Odrzywolski

ROCHESTER — The adult Chautauqua Lake Rowing program headed to Rochester to race in the Head of the Genesee regatta last Sunday.

This 5,000-meter regatta takes place on the Genesee River near Strong Memorial Hospital. This regatta is a true challenge for any of the CLRA boats due to the strong teams in the races. Although the wind was brisk throughout the day, the water was relatively calm making for decent rowing conditions.

CLRA brought two 8-person shells, one women’s and one men’s 8+. With back-to-back races, the teams were fortunate to have good support from team family members to bring oars and other ancillary equipment to the water in a timely manner. Each race uses a rolling start with boats starting about every 15 seconds in a timed race. The men’s 8+ launched first rowing 5 kilometers to the start. A strong start carried the team through the race allowing them to finish sixth overall. The team consisted of Ali Odrzywolski (women are permitted to row in a men’s boat), Paul Boger, Charlie McChesney, Nathan Abers, Mickey Sorenson, Mike Jones, Scott Montgomery, Jim Odrzywolski and coxswain Alexis Barron.

CLRA’s women’s 8+ consisting of Doreen Loll, Shirley Johnson, Maureen Mack, Linda Smith, Diane Paterniti, Martha Abers, Kathleen McCarthy, Carol Samuelson, and coxswain Jan Odrzywolski were up next. Although the women rowed well with a good race plan they were not able to push past the field of more experienced oarsmen, finishing eighth.

Rowing is a low- to no-impact sport that utilizes all major muscle groups in the body. It is an excellent cross-training sport. For more information about the CLRA’s high school (spring sport) and masters rowing programs visit www.rowchautauqua.org or email info@rowchautauqua.org.