story & photo
by Christopher Annino
(l-r) Megan Malmoe, Jessi Reel, Jon Winter, Brian DeRegt, Sam Stitt and James Dietz II are this year’s winners of the 7th Annual “Battle Between the Bridges,” held on September 19th.
Olympians and nationally known rowers lined up to compete for the 7th Annual “Battle Between the Bridges,” in downtown Mystic on September 19th. Both male and female competitors raced approximately 500 meters from the Amtrak Railway Bridge to the Mystic Drawbridge. This event was a perfect promotion for the Coast Week Regatta held at the Mystic Seaport the following day.
Michelle Guerrette, Olympic Silver Medalist, was the special guest judge for the battle. “Every time we come here it’s amazing, the people here really embrace the sport and it’s really awesome to see everyone have a good time,” said Michelle.
At first only men were allowed to compete in rowing, a Summer Olympic sport. Women’s rowing events were introduced at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal.
Andy Card, Lightweight Men’s Varsity Coach, Yale University, was the commentator for the day.
At the end of the day, trophies were presented to the winners for the men’s heavyweight division. James Dietz II took first place and Sam Stitt took second. For the men’s lightweight, Jon Winter took first and Brian DeRegt took second place. For the women’s division, Megan Malmoe won first and in second was Jessi Reel.
Posted on September 30th, 2009 | category: Featured Articles
