Sisters' first 'erg-a-thon' is rowing across borders

Camp Sherman resident and champion rower Bethanne Kronick is putting her best oar forward to help raise funds for her friend and neighbor Lauren White.

White is traveling to Europe this summer as a student ambassador for the People to People program. Kronick is sponsoring a rowing challenge, "Rowing Across Borders," to help White raise funds for her

trip.

Kronick will do an indoor rowing marathon at Sisters Athletic Club (SAC) on April 23 from 4 to 8 p.m. She challenges everyone to row alongside her in 20-minute increments, make a pledge and cheer her on.

Participants are asked to donate $20 to row for 20 minutes. Several rowing machines will be set up for the challenge so multiple people can row alongside the champion.

Competitors will win prizes for the longest distance. There will be four prizes: adult female, adult male, female youth and male youth. Bring your competitive spirit and prepare to cheer for everybody.

The White family is donating a "Rowing Across Borders" T-shirt, designed by daughter Lauren. There will also be goodie bags with a SAC water bottle and a Concept 2 workout

towel.

You do not have to be a SAC member to participate.

"We do a lot of charity events," said Tate Metcalf, owner of Sisters Athletic Club. "This event is a great opportunity to help the youth of our society."

Kronick's volunteerism is serving a dual purpose. Her goal is to beat her own marathon record of 26.2 miles in 3 hours 25 minutes.

Kronick spends the rowing season working out on Suttle Lake and traveling the country winning competitions. As a competitive racer she competes in quads (four rowers in a boat) and sometimes competes in singles.

During the off-season Kronick trains on a rowing machine called an Ergometer, commonly referred to as an Erg. Most rowers use it, she said.

"I used to hate the erg," she said. "Last year I started erg-ing and became addicted. I get great workouts from it."

Kronick has long been a friend of the White family and has rowed with both their children. She has been an inspiration to their daughter Kelsey, a student at Willamette University, who rowed in the NCAA Women's Rowing Championships last year. Their daughter Lauren rows with Kronick in the summer. She is not on a team, but says it is an option.

Lauren White competes in track and cross-country running and says rowing provides a great workout.

"It works every part of your body," White said. "It's really peaceful to be out on the water. Bethanne has been my only trainer, and my sister has been giving me pointers."

White will be traveling to Europe in July.

REgister for teh rowing event by calling 541-

549-6878.