When one goes to the website to find results or when a particular race is scheduled, they tend not think about the hard work and attention to detail that was needed to make sure the information they are looking for is precise so they do not miss that special moment. For the past 32 years, Deb Cornatzer has played a vital role in that process dating back to when this information had to be entered by hand and needed to be completed weeks prior to the event to ushering in an agile and flexible model that allows crews great flexibility as they decide their entries. “Many crews will never know the magic Deb made happen to make something work for them,” said Kevin Backe, Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee board member. Cornatzer had just started rowing out of PGRC in 1992 when she was approached by Kate Godwin who asked if she would be interested in volunteering. Kate asked, “Do you have a pair of white pants,” said Cornatzer, who is a Cold War Air Force Veteran “I told her I did and that is basically how it started.” Positioned at #4 Boathouse Row, Cornatzer had to sit and wait for results to be faxed over so they could then create updated heat sheets. Cornatzer would do this for eight years until they were re-positioned to a tent by the finish line where they reside today. Leading up to the Regatta, Cornatzer plays a key role in helping to build the schedule that families, friends and former coaches and teammates can access to watch the races. While most people might think her works stops once the regatta starts, you might want to think again as her world will go from calm to crazy. While the command tent on race days can get hectic with questions coming from all directions, Cornatzer is in the middle of the action providing all the answers along with some lighthearted commentary to put everyone at ease while completing her responsibilities at the same time. For her hard work and dedication leading up to the regatta along with the precise detail in ensuring the correct information is entered on race day, Deb Cornatzer is being honored as this year’s recipient of the John A. Seitz Award. Deb CORNATZER Deb Cornatzer: A key to the behind-the-scenes success! John A. SEITZ AWARD .
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