Team from Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind competing in 48-hour row race
May 31, 2024, 10:00 PM
In an inspiring display of determination, students from Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind will compete in Seventy48. That's a 48-hour row race, which will have the students pushing the limits of endurance and spirit. (Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind X account)
(Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind X account)
TACOMA, Washington — In an inspiring display of determination, students from Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind will compete in Seventy48. That’s a 48-hour row race, which will have the students pushing the limits of endurance and spirit.
Coach Ryan Greene, with eight students who are blind and nine chaperones just touched down in Washington for the two-day row race challenge.
Track the crew’s progress at the Seventy48 starting at 7 tonight https://t.co/k089w1ONQ4 (https://t.co/k089w1ONQ4)#WeAreUSDB#Utah@joeljcoleman pic.twitter.com/OZ8XE0SuxC
— Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind USDB (@UtSchoolsDB) May 31, 2024
“We spent countless hours, you know, going over safety protocols,” Greene said.
Students like Charlie Sims from Park City are participating in the race.
“20 minutes right before the race, I’ll be freaking out (and) super nervous … But, I’m super excited,” said Sims. “I feel like we’re definitely ready to take on this challenge.”
The students and chaperones have prepared for the worst.
“We’ve capsized the boat in Willard Bay … in early May in that cold water,” Greene said.
Utah School for the Blind students, their coaches, and chaperones practiced an overnight row last weekend at Willard Bay in preparation for the Seventy48 Race.The crew is ramping up their fitness for the intense race across Puget Sound in Washington State coming up on May 31 2024 pic.twitter.com/WwQTmFiwSY
— Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind USDB (@UtSchoolsDB) May 15, 2024
48 hours, day and night on the waters of Washington’s Puget Sound. Why would they embark on such a dangerous journey? To prove that anything is possible.
“When you have a crew behind you, you can go a lot farther as you’re paddling as one,” Greene said. “Our students have embraced that, and they have embraced that they can do really hard things.”
It sounds dangerous, and it will be, but what the team will take home with them will forever make it worth it.
Click here to track the team’s progress and to see live updates on the race.
Devin Oldroyd contributed to this story.
Eric Cabrera is a reporter for KSL NewsRadio. You can follow him on Instagram.
