The reigning champions of Catholic Charities’ Dragon Boat races brought a lively mix of confidence and camaraderie to their weekly practice at West Covington Park Aug. 7. As they stretched and joked in the parking lot, the crew from M&T Bank balanced casual banter with a shared focus on defending its 2023 title – though a hint of nerves surfaced from a first-time paddler eager to prove himself.
“I like to stay active. It is definitely more challenging than I thought it would be,” said Rich Marion, M&T senior vice president and first-time paddler, who half-joked, “They might blame it on the newbies if we lose,” sparking laughter all around.
Since 1998, the Dragon Boat races have been a biennial tradition, except for a pandemic pause. The event was born from a visit to China by Hal Smith, a former executive director of Catholic Charities of Baltimore. Over the years, the races have raised more than $5 million to support Catholic Charities’ programs.
This year’s event, scheduled for Sept. 13 at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, features more than a dozen teams from businesses, nonprofits and schools. It aims to raise $400,000.
“This is a great example of team building, camaraderie and fun, all in service for a greater cause: changing people’s lives,” said David Kinkopf, executive director of Catholic Charities, who stopped by the Aug. 7 practice. Though he has competed before, Kinkopf will observe this year.
“I feel good about the athletes,” he said. “They’re going to carry the Catholic Charities team to victory.”
Dragon boats are long and narrow like rowing shells, but propelled by paddles rather than oars. Each team consists of 25 members: 20 paddlers, including at least eight women, one drummer who sets the stroke rate, one steerer and three alternates. Weekly practices began in July, with boats and equipment staged in the West Covington parking lot.
“Half of our team are newbies and had no idea what to expect,” said Tara Stern, captain of the Allegis Group team, recalling their first practice on a hot, humid day. “They got back and said, ‘that was amazing.’ ”
“It’s fun to bring in new people. You pick it up,” said Andrew Jacobs Van Merlin of T. Rowe Price. “At the first practice, they looked great.”
The most decorated team, T. Rowe Price, with five victories, is serious about reclaiming its title.
“We hope to be in the last race,” Van Merlin said. “It is one of my favorite things to do. I’ve made lifelong friends. It is a real competition, that makes it fun.”
Each team partners with a Catholic Charities program. T. Rowe Price works with St. Vincent’s Villa Residential Treatment Center in Timonium, a nonprofit serving youths with behavioral and emotional challenges.
Molly Simms, this year’s team cruise director, is busy preparing the chant and decorating the team tent.
“I just had a meeting with St. Vincent. They are so excited,” Simms said. “We try to bring the kids here and try to incorporate them into the chant.”
“It’s people coming together to help neighbors in need,” said Natalia Mistichelli, Catholic Charities Dragon Boat overseer. “It builds hope and positivity.”
Mistichelli has been the contact person for the Dragon Boat races for years. She greets everyone by name as she hands out paddles and life vests to those who need them (teams are required to provide their own life vests since the pandemic, but Mistichelli has extras). From her vantage point on the shore, she can easily observe the boats practicing and see who is paddling in sync and who is struggling.
“This is an amazing group of people,” Mistichelli said, appreciative of the time and dedication each team member gives to the event. “All are champions of Catholic Charities.”
Opportunities such as Dragon Boat races help fill a void to keep programs going, she said.
“The need never stops,” she explained. “The need is always there.”
Stern has competed in several Dragon Boat races with the Allegis team, as it helps build relationships between employees at Allegis.
“I’ve met so many people,” Stern said, with a laugh. “Now I know people. When you need something, you know who to call.”
It’s also entertaining, she said, and her teammate, Wen Ji, agreed.
“I do it primarily for the fun and for the good cause,” Ji said.
“Catholic Charities in Baltimore offers programs to so many people,” said Dan Shand, captain of M&T Bank’s program. “We are a big advocate for the work Catholic Charities does.”
Shand was also a big believer in Jimmy
Wawrzynski, who was steering the boat for the first time during the practice session.
“All he has to do is get us out into the open,” Shand said with confidence.
A nervous Wawryzynski did, and the boat glided off.
When you go
Catholic Charities’ Dragon Boat Races will splash into Baltimore’s Inner Harbor Sept. 13.
Morning heats run at 8, 9 and 11 a.m., leading to the championship race at 1 p.m. and an awards ceremony at 2 p.m. near the Maryland Science Center.
Throughout the day, West Shore Park will buzz with decorated team tents. There will also be food and family entertainment around the harbor.
Email Katie V. Jones at kjones@CatholicReview.org
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