Local Rowers From Sarasota County Rowing Club Win Gold at Masters Nationals

Karen Wiegandt and Laura Corbett bring home 10 gold medals! Two rowers from Sarasota County Rowing Club score big at US Rowing Masters National Championships held this past weekend at Lake Quinsigamond in Worcester Mass. Karen Wiegandt and Laura Corbett rowed in eight events including Women’s Open B 2x (double sculls) and Women’s Open A 2x where they took the gold for both in the finals with times of 3:39.672 and 3:45.52 respectively on the 1000 meter course.

In most races, the two competed against younger rowers, one to two age categories down. They participated in a Women’s Quad AA-A 4x in which they were the only boat with an average age over 36 years. Again, they won this race handily with a time of 3:37.674. More medals were earned in Mixed races such as the Mixed B 2x doubles where Laura Corbett and Julio Sanchez took gold with a time of 4:01.884. Laura also finished first in the Women’s B 1x (single scull) category with a time of 4:34.173.

Medal Count: Karen Wiegandt four golds, Laura Corbett 6 golds. These ladies seem to know no other metal.

“We both trust our training and each other without any doubt. That is powerful,” states Karen Wiegandt.

What’s next for this dynamic duo? They’ll be competing at Nathan Benderson Park in October, then off to the Head of the Hooch in Chattaooga, TN where they have qualified four entries. The two are hoping to represent their team at the prestigious Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston, MA. Eligibility determined by a random lottery draw.

The USRowing Masters National Championships draws competitors from teams all over the U.S. and parts of Canada. A record number of over 2,100 entries, from 165 clubs competed for top prizes over the four day event.

Early mornings the two can be found launching from Blackburn Point Park, home of Sarasota County Rowing Club. After rowing they head off to work, Ms. Wiegandt is a physical therapist at Total Care Physical Therapy and a Performance Consultant for athletes. Ms. Corbett is a youth coach with Sarasota Scullers where she preaches what she practices. Sarasota County Rowing Club is a community rowing club whose members range in ability from recreational to elite.

For more information: Check out the club website: www.sarasotacountyrowingclub.com or call Barbara Sylvester at 206-850-2488