2004 Championship Summary

Chicago Youth Challenge: A Loyola Sweep

The prizes this year were 2 Concept Model Ds both of which were won by Loyola Academy after a spirited challenge mounted by the Indianapolis Rowing Center. Going into the relay, IRC men were ahead by 2 seconds with the Loyola women enjoying a 4 second advantage.

The excitement generated was matched by the competitive spirit and respect each team had for the other. It was indeed a question of honor and the final 2500-meter relay raised the roof as each team cheered their mates to shave every second off the time. Once again the race came down to the 'hand-off' that determined the ultimate winners. Now the rivalry turns to the water as these teams prepare for the Spring Sprint season.

The Collegiate Challenge: Northwestern vs. Wheaton

This event was added at the 12th hour and it certainly brought out the collegiate crowd. The Prize was a new Concept 2 Model D and Wheaton scrambled to fill out their roster for the 2500-meter relay. After a high-level Pow-Wow between the collegiate coaches, Northwestern willingly allowed Wheaton to 'recruit' from the University of Chicago crew and the challenge was on. In the end, Northwestern pulled ahead by 1min.28 seconds to win this Inaugural Challenge, but it was clear that the gauntlet was thrown down for next year, as this event becomes a permanent fixture of CIRC.

WiFi system passes first test

After spending 10 hours on what should have been a 3-hour flight, the Concept WiFi Team finally arrived in Chicago at midnight. But hey, that was all they needed to grab a bite to eat and four hours sleep before setting up at the race site. And they didn't miss a beat as CIRC 2004 started and ended on time with rare 'fixes' along the way. Our hats are off to Scott, Shawn and Andrew for their efforts. It appears they are on schedule to 'unwire' the CRASH-B Sprints on February 22^nd in Boston.