St. Lawrence students were among the participants in one of the oldest annual canoe races
in the country, held right in Canton recently.
On May 5, 2002, some 36 University students participated in the 41st annual Canton
Canoe Weekend and Rushton Canoe Races. The event is a local tradition, and participation
in it is listed as a suggestion of "things to do before you graduate."
Six co-ed teams of six St. Lawrence paddlers each competed in the Rushton Recreational
Canoe Relay event. This is the second year that students took part in the event, with
staff members Peter Cain and John Newman also participating and encouraging student teams.
In addition, two other colleges, Clarkson and Paul Smiths, sent teams this year.
Participants from the University were notable for more than mere participation. Race
director of the weekend Chuck Bolesh notes, "When a canoe from a different team
tipped over, two of your students went into the cold water to help."
The Outing Club provided the canoes and delivered them to the race site at Taylor Park in
Canton. Race results for the relay may be found by clicking here.