Ryan after winning the Marathon event at the 2012 Mid-Atlantic Erg Sprints

John Ryan started the year out strong for Potomac Boat Club and our Men’s Team by winning the 42,195m (Marathon) Men’s Heavyweight event at the 2012 Mid-Atlantic Erg Sprints.

Ryan went unchallenged in his event last weekend, but remarkably still pulled himself to number one in the nation and seventh in the world.

“It’s early in the season and a new event, but I’ll take it,” said Ryan.

[Heck yeah, you will!]

Johnny Forrest also grabbed a gold for PBC in the Masters Men 30 – 39, 30 minute row, along with Laurence Yaffe, John Walsh, Greg LeSage (6:19.3!), and Steve Schmitt (6:57!) in their respective events.

First place finishes by the men mean we have a team that could give the California crews a run for their money at the San Diego Crew Classic in late March.  But we won’t jinx them.  Let’s just say we have a bit of confidence left over from a very successful 2011.

[Um, and let’s just say we didn’t see that their new coach brought back gold in the Veteran Women 50 – 59, 30 minute row … to the Alexandria Crew Boosters Club!  Hey, now?!]

Great job, everyone.  And thanks to John, Johnny and the rest of the guys for kicking off what is sure to be another successful year of PBC racing!

[And a special congrats to our Washington-Lee kids Patsy Zetkulic, Matthew Zetkulic, Emma Sheehy, and Grayson Steigler on their first place finishes, as well!]