Paddlers cleanup at General Clinton

Paddlers Five Cameron County paddlers earned honors at the General Clinton Canoe Regatta in Cooperstown, N.Y.

Husband/wife team of Randy and Toni Flament took first place in the Mixed Stock Endurance Class, a grueling 70- mile run.

Randy was racing the General Clinton for the fifth time, while Toni made her second appearance. They held off a solid duo from New York and two tough tandems from Manitoba, Canada.

Matt Anthony and Judy Jeanes of West Chester took first place against a tough field from four states in the 12- mile Mixed Cruiser/Amateur Sprints.

Randy Bailey paddled in the Under-50 Competition Cruiser Class. He and his partner, Greg Pyle, placed tenth in a competitive field. Bailey has run the race eight times.

Veteran Ken Gerg, who has flirted with retirement for some time now, joined Mark Anthony for a run in the Men's Stock Endurance Class.

Despite very low water conditions, they paddled in unison for more than 20 miles with the Flaments and those teams crossed the finish line in a dead heat (10:24.38).

This was Mark's first time at General Clinton, while Ken made his 20th run, despite broken ribs in 2006 and a heart problem last year. He was presented a plaque for paddling 1,400 miles over the years at the Cooperstown event.

Cameron County's racers benefited from dedicated "pit crews" who helped them endure the low water conditions and intense heat.

Supporting the Flaments were daughters Matty and Karen, along with Toni's mother, Gina Caton and Matt Anthony.

Mark and Ken were supported by Susan Anthony, Colleen Gerg and David Kelsey. Randy Bailey's team was supported by the Greg Pyle family.