HH had to do well on the water and land to stand on the podium and earn the bling bling. Led by Coaches Lex and C. Albert the dragon boating event was not to be taken for granted as team Memorial Hermann pushed very hard. After two preliminary heats HH qualified for the 4 boat finals that would bring an emphatic end to a grueling day of fun and competition. Each boat received a combined time for each race, going in one direction to catch the flag, resetting the clock and going back in the opposite direction to catch the last flag. HH was consistently finishing in the 2:05 and 2:07 minutes range for the day (despite going against teams using the minimum lineup of women, but never underestimate HH women); and was poised to make a strong showing in the finals. The first leg caught us by surprise as Memorial Hermann clearly took the flag first. HH gathered themselves quietly and focused on the final and decisive run, needing to win comfortably to have the best combined time. Because endurance and synchronization training was part of our coaches’ philosophy, HH was able to put an exclamation mark on the final leg and easily outdistanced our competitors. Also kudos to our daring flag catchers (Alicia and Vanessa) for laying it all out and making sure our races counted.

Coach Jeff had taken a picture of the overall weekend results posted on Sunday and Houston Heat had the best dragon boat race time of 2:05:64. For other bests, AON Hewitt completed 7 of 7 minute-to-win-it tasks, and Stonebridge completed the King Tut obstacle challenge in 2:06:60. Congrats again to all participants who competed and walked away knowing they put it all on the line for their respective teams.

The grand prize (large but cute stuffed dragon) could not be had unless a team won the dragon boat challenge and picked up a point or two for land challenges. HH took no prisoners in dodge ball and swept all 3 rounds. Human foosball was challenging and so was the bouncing ball field polo. Thinking outside the box helped us take down our rivals in the 3 leg King Tut challenge. HH did very well in winning 5 out of 7 minute-to-win-it tasks. It was all about TEAMWORK, getting the best out of everyone and having fun doing it. Congrats to HH for making this event an unqualified success and keeping the momentum going as we head toward the October Regatta in Sugar Land.

Here are a few other observations that highlighted the day and either created memories etched in stone, or fell under the “don’t ask don’t tell” category. Not in any particular order, there was Chris ready to lace up his gloves (must have learned from Manny) and go mano-to-mano in response to a snide comment directed at him. There was Ace giving up his body (science can wait) in human foosball and dragging himself to the dragon boat to help us achieve victory. There was Diana (how tall do you want that cone) putting together a much needed breakfast to provide fuel for our bodies during an exhausting 4 hours of intense competition. Thanks to those who helped her set up the table. There was Ann (where do you want that cone) providing the usual back up to make sure we dotted our I’s and crossed our T’s (but what happened to the HH banner :0) :0). There was Coach Lex overcome with emotion as he hugged the 1st place stuffed dragon and earnestly accepted the obligatory water shower without flinching. There was the Venezuelan connection taking us to overtime in field polo and Ernesto pulling out all the stops (literally) to defend his goal. There were HH teammates singing and swinging in unison that would rival any world cup crowd. There was Claire thinking (what should I do with this big bag of ice) and Coach Albert helping her make that decision. There were Varun, Jay and Ace (three amigos) forgoing boards and rope to skillfully retrieve water buckets while thinking outside the box. There was Jackie (make sure lunch tray has room for the entrée) neatly tucked away in the roly poly inflatable and keeping the orb safe to the finish line. There was Alicia (gravity made me do it) offering her 4 inch ice cream cone to Nick … then there was Nick’s face frozen in time. There were Thomas, Margaret, Joann and others who came out to support the team. There was Charlie offering his helmet cam for the DB races and posting the videos later for our enjoyment. There was Jose (looking for water fountain body shots) building a pyramid of soda cans that defied engineering logic but managed to stay upright. There was Shara and Laura wrapping Coach Lex (tighter than a Thiem Hung egg roll) with toilet paper and then making sure he didn’t walk away with a piece trailing his behind.

What made this event a success was EVERYONE participating and having a great time, and the YMCA doing what they do best. If the 14th annual Dragon Boat challenge does not conflict with any HH events next year, we will work hard again to defend our title because we got the right stuff. Pat on the back forward Houston Heat for a job well done!

Houston Heat is proud to boast a NASA connection and we congratulate several teammates not only for their dedication to NASA, but also putting in all on the line on a competitive level as they paddled with HH in many dragon boat festivals throughout our existence. Some of our NASA connection have unique skills and talents and are part of a much bigger team that kept us enthralled with space exploration while raising the bar on astronaut safety. PADDLES UP for HH teammates - Rachel, Kristen, Laura, Josh, Charlotte and Joel … we salute you for a job well done and wish all of you continued success in your capacity with NASA.

Herbert inspired us in many ways and always put the team first.  He worked very hard to improve each year and usually was the first at every practice, Houston Heat Dragon Boat Club has dedicated the 2011 dragon boat season to Herbert, and our Houston and Austin races featured an empty seat in his memory.  Not coincidentally, Houston Heat has performed at optimum levels by winning Austin and Houston Festivals ... we remember.

Herbert never quit and left it all on the water in each race; he would encourage and congratulate his teammates at every opportunity.  THE consummate team player, who stood so proudly with wife Cynthia, and son Jeff, joined his teammates for the last time as he dotted the eyes in blessing our new dragon boats.  This season is far from over and there are many more races where we will remain focused, determined, and willing to give it all up ... we remember.