'Leatherneck Warriors' Plan to Bring Energy to Dragon Boat Festival
Florida's 'Leatherneck Warriors' are excited to bring their mantra of 'One Team, One Stroke, One Paddle' to the Richmond International Dragon Boat Festival on August 10th. Team Captain Don Glass talks about the team's goals and what motivates them during competitions.
By: Nan Turner
Q: Describe your organization, the 'Leatherneck Warriors.'
Don Glass: The Leatherneck Warriors are one of seven “senior teams” from the Grand Masters Dragon Boat Club of The Villages, Florida. With average ages in the mid-60s and up, our teams represent the largest competitive “senior class” Club around with a membership of over 250.
Leatherneck Warriors in action (courtesy: Ann Miller)
Q: As a captain, who are some of the leaders you would like to emulate?
DG: To a person, I don't believe there isn't a team member who doesn't strive to “follow the paddle” of our coach, Bob Kane. With his mental and physical preparation for our sport, Bob epitomizes what we look for. His passion for our sport is contagious and his patience in instructing others is second to none!
Q: Do you have any past experiences with Dragon Boat? What is your favorite memory?
DG: On the water our most recent “memory” is from April '13 when this team of 60-year-old “seniors” entered Great White North's inaugural Walgreens Cocoa Beach Dragon Boat Festival in Florida. When “let it run” finally came the Warriors had taken gold in the 100M & 500M races, silver in the 2000M race and had won the overall festival Championship. That was “making a memory”.
Off the water, the Warriors are deeply involved with community support/outreach programs. One of our most rewarding programs has been the recent addition to the Team of seven members from The Deaf Club of The Villages. These hearing-impaired paddlers are in training now and will be seen in the boat as part of our race team at future competitions. Challenging for the Warriors, veterans and the newbies alike, this is truly a positive “memory in the making” experience for all the Team.
Q: What are you most looking forward to at the Richmond International Dragon Boat Festival?
DG: The Leatherneck Warriors are looking forward to a strong field of competitors and the opportunity to make new friends in the dragon community. This will be the furthest the team has traveled for competition. Traveling by both car and plane from Florida, we're also looking forward to reuniting with returning team members that will be coming in from Illinois, New York and Pennsylvania.
Q: What is your team's biggest strength?
DG: The Warriors biggest strength is that we are ONE TEAM and will leave nothing “in the boat” at the end of the day, in practice or competition!
Q: Who is your biggest competitor?
DG: Our biggest competitor is always in the boat with us – it’s ourselves.
Q: What will you do in the event of a win?
DG: We'll prepare to do it again!
Q: What is your team motto?
DG: While the Leatherneck Warriors are a team predisposed to support the US Marine Corps when we train and compete, we always paddle in support of all military personnel serving their country. Our team flag bears the inscription, “We Paddle In Honor of All Deployed Troops”. Our team mantra is one that reflects our spirit and commitment: “ONE TEAM, ONE STROKE, ONE PADDLE.”
The Richmond International Dragon Boat Festival takes place Saturday, August 10 at Rocketts Landing. For more information, visit http://www.sportsbackers.org/events/richmond-international-dragon-boat-festival.