Dragon Boat Steersman to Guide Cancer Team In Mom’s Honor
If you were going to design a new superhero action figure, he’d look like Will Richard.
Richard, 28, teaches special education in Columbia County, briefly dabbled in politics in Buchanan, plans to get married in September, and loves being on the water.
Peekskill Celebration’s Dragon Boat Safety Director Tony Masias introduces Richard during dragon boat practice sessions by saying: “Will, your steersperson. Look how out of shape he is.”
Everyone laughs because one glance at Richard shows it’s not true. The good-natured Richard, at 6’2”, 180 pounds, has an athletic build and biceps that make women paddlers smile and embarrassed male paddlers rush to the gym to make up for lost time.
When he dons his life vest, Richard actually looks like a superhero donning his cape. His quiet confidence and evident physical strength provide comfort and reassurance to leery first-time dragon boaters, some of whom don’t swim very well.
He’s perfect for this volunteer role as steersperson during the Cancer Awareness Dragon Boat Races at Peekskill Celebration, a position that requires endurance, intimate knowledge of the river and skills to guide teams safely to victory on the Hudson. Richard’s vibrant personality, which he says he gets from his mother, Gail, is also an asset.
“You know you’ve done a good job as steersperson when your team asks you back to their picnic area for a burger or beer at the end of the day. It means they want to spend time with you,” said Matt Roberts of 22Dragons, race day organizers. Not surprisingly, Richard never goes hungry or thirsty after a day of racing.
The role of steersperson is vital to keeping the dragon boat in its assigned lane, shouting encouragement and directions to paddlers, and aiding in the rescue of paddlers if a boat capsizes.
A boat that Richard was steering flipped over a few years ago when an overly exuberant team made the vessel suddenly unstable. There was nothing Richard could do to prevent it. Tossed into the water along with the rest of the team, Richard was tasked with accounting for all his teammates and assisting them into safety boats.
Five years ago, Richard heard the news: “Mom has cancer.” This year’s competition suddenly took on special meaning when, on July 1, his mother lost her battle with cancer.
By all accounts, Richard’s mother Gail was an amazing woman. She attended Ladycliff Academy, married her high-school sweetheart, launched a political career, managed her own business and most importantly, raised Richard to become the man he is today.
Support Connection, a Yorktown-based cancer support group, announced that it will rally around Richard on race day and honor his mother by wearing team hats emblazoned with Gail’s nickname “Weez.”
“I’ll be thinking about my Mom’s overall spirit and being in the same boat with at least 15 of her friends – that’s going to be symbolic right there,” said Richard.
Spectators can cheer on Richard and all the cancer teams on Saturday, Aug. 4 from 9 a.m. to noon at Peekskill Riverfront Green Park.
By Bill Powers
Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.