On the first weekend of August, two crews from the Creston Ospreys Rowing Club travelled to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, for the annual inter-club regatta.
The regatta was held on the quiet water of Ferman Lake and hosted by the Coeur d’Alene Rowing Association. Creston crews and supporting friends and families were made most welcome. To save the Ospreys bringing their own boats across the border Martin Stacey, the Coeur d’Alene Rowing Association coach made two top-of-the-line racing boats available to the Creston crews. All the Ospreys had to bring was their own oars.
With training limited by the fast spring run-off on the Kootenay river both Creston crews were untested at this, their first race of the year. First to line up was the ladies masters double scull with Carrie Armstrong at stroke and Barb Minichiello at bow.
After a fast start, the Creston boat settled down at a high rating lying second at the halfway mark of 500 metres. A powerful second half brought the Creston crew to a mere four seconds behind the winners. The Creston ladies were still pleased with this excellent performance, their best ever.
Later in the morning, the Ospreys ladies masters quad boat took to the water for their race. At stroke was Julie Miller, with Anita Middleton at three, Mel Skeric at two and Pam St. Amand at bow.
At the start, the crew went away smooth and balanced, settling into their rhythm well. By the 500-metre halfway, they were able to put out their full power, finishing as the first quad across the line.
A good time was had by all. This was an important step forward for two crews who have been tested and come through with flying colours. The Ospreys made new friends and have invited the Coeur d’Alene club to come to Creston in the fall for rowing, racing and socializing together on the beautiful Kootenay River.
— CRESTON OSPREYS ROWING CLUB