“It is the essence of Maple Valley – that majestic Cedar River.” The words are a consensus of those who spoke to the audience of 75 at “Celebrate Them – Boat Racers,” an event to honor Cedar River boat racers. Open mic at Maple Valley Community Center was filled with emotion.
“I cannot fool myself,” Dan Petchnick said, “The Cedar still has a hold on me. As I cross the river’s bridges today, its water continues to command my attention. I contemplate a stretch of this calm water, that eddy, this rock slightly beneath the surface, that gap between large boat-killing rocks, this stretch of brush with shoreline limbs compromising my rower’s oars, low lying limbs with the propensity to slap my partner on the back.” Dan’s view of the course then diverges to the shoreline, “I picture the cheering crowds at the start and finish lines. I recall the adrenaline rush, cold water in my face, the teamwork, and finally, champagne at the finish line.”
Dan started racing in 1976. He conceded that a goal in his 13th and final year was to beat the Sousheks’ record of competing for 12 years; he called it “friendly competition.” Sousheks had dominated racing in wins for more than a decade. A family member told of the year “Uncle Ben (Soushek) rowed the entire course by himself” after his partner’s paddle got stuck between rocks. At the 2024 celebration, their family was decked out in ‘Soushek’ imprinted blue shirts.
Jimmy Thompson, who earned a Perpetual Trophy for winning three consecutive years, said he was probably the smallest racer in stature and rowed with the largest variety of partners. Teams of racers often practiced two to three times a week. “You could never study that river,” one speaker said. “Each time you practiced the course it was a whole different river; it was ever-changing.” The racers always carried with them just enough items for repairs – wire, duct tape, screws. They also brought along sponges and bailing cans. Epoxy was used to repair damages, but it added weight to a boat after each use.
The racers at “Celebrate Them – Boat Racers” were honest about their mistakes, mishaps and their sideline career in building boats. They were funny. At times they were emotional. “It is little wonder the struggles and challenges are still so fresh in my memory,” said Dan. The tenacity of racers and persistence in pursuit of winning was very much on display at the heart-warming reunion befitting a celebration.
‘Iffy’ record-keeping shows that boat racing started on the Cedar in 1948. Year 2000 was the last official race. It was noted that Cedar River defined Maple Valley. “Boat racing on the Cedar brought the community together,” said Bob Morris who had five victories in his 28-years of competing. Indeed, Cedar River racing still brings the community together – 75 community members gathered to celebrate in 2024.
Sherrie Evans was asked about her experience in racing, “Would you do it again?” “Hell yeah,” she answered without a moment’s hesitation, while adding, “and drink a few beers.”
