Troop 448 Salisbury, North Carolina

There were 51 contestants entered in Saturday's "South Yadkin River Canoe Race", making it one of the most contested races in recent history. Of the racers 14 were scouts and leaders in Troop 448, continuing a tradition that dates back to the first race held in 1986 in which Jack Kepley made the awards out of small wooden canoe paddles and Alfred Wilson placed second in the C2 mens.
The weather was perfect for the race with thunder storms staying to the east of Granite Quarry. The starting gun sounded at 10:30 sending a group of furiously paddeling canoeist downstream. Mr. Wilson and Spencer Carmichael took an early lead With Alana and Liz close behind. David Steelman and his son were hot on their heels with David and Brandon Mcswain and Jim and Neal Emmett right behind. Dave Rowe and his son followed up behind getting a feel for the race course and plotting strategy for next year.
At the end of 5 1/2 miles of paddling, Alfred and Spencer came across the finish line first and within 4 minutes of a record. Thier time was 1hour and 3 minutes. Right behind them was David Steelman and son for Second place and getting third was David and Brandon McSwain. Alana and Liz finished first in the C2 womens bringing the award total to 8 for Troop 448. Everyone had a lot of fun and got some good body building exercise at the same time. Remember that the South Yadkin River canoe race is the second Saturday in May. Hope to see you there next year!!!!!!