Keeners expected to do well at US Team Trials

At the World Championships in 2007, 15 Keeners competed for their various countries. Ireland, Australia, Canada and the US were represented. 6 of the Keeners ascended the podium, pretty good for a small kayak program whose real focus is youth development.

When Keeners started six years ago, the goals was youth development through kayaking. That it turned out the best junior kayakers in the world was just a bonus. 2004 was a turning point in the Keener Program as Keeners won all the top spots in North America. Justin Patt won the gold in US Team Trials that year while Rafa Ortiz won Mexico and Joel Kowalski won Canada's top junior spot. All three competed in the World Championships in Penrith, Australia in January of 2005. Our Keeners were all great paddlers but their standing did not adequately reflect their skill and ability.

It was obvious Keeners were taught everything about kayaking but not how to compete. That all changed with the 2005 Keener season where formal competition training was added to the program. Competition Fridays became institutionalized at Keeners and continues to this day. Every Friday, Keeners organize, scribe, judge and compete in their own event. The competition is open to anyone on the river.

That strategy paid off in 2007 and should again in 2009 in Thun, Switzerland. If Canadian Team Trials are any indication, the World's this year should resemble a Keener reunion. Canadian Team Trials were held last summer and Keeners won 9 of 14 medals, including every junior spot. Keener graduates-turned-instructors Nick Troutman and Joel Kowalski took gold and bronze respectively.

US Team Trials in Glenwood Springs later this spring should see lots of Keeners tearing up the river. We wish them well!

Joe Kowalski