Battery team among racers for a cause

The Charleston Battery has taken cross training to another level.

But it's all for a good cause.

The soccer club is among 63 teams set to take part in today's Charleston Dragon Boat Festival at Brittlebank Park on the Ashley River.

Teams of 21 each will compete in 250-meter paddling races in an event that's primarily about raising money for the cancer survivorship programs of Dragon Boat Charleston.

"Our programs are best described as helping cancer survivors hit the restart button after cancer," says Sterling Hannah, director of Dragon Boat Charleston. "We're so excited to have the Charleston Battery participating in this year's event."

Dragon boats, which originated in ancient China, are the world's largest flat water racing canoes, measuring 41 feet in length. Winning is less about strength and more about teamwork.

"I came to the event last year and just thought it was a fantastic idea," said Battery president Andrew Bell. "All of our lads are pretty fit, so I like our chances."

The Battery has only had a couple of chances to practice on the Ashley River leading up to the event. "It's all about team work and precision," said Battery keeper Keith Wiggans. "It's a pretty good workout, especially on your arms and shoulders. It's a short, intense race and if your team isn't synchronized you've got no chance."

A sentiment echoed by Hannah. "It's sprint racing, so it's a minute to 90 seconds of pure frenzy. The best you can hope for is that everyone is hitting the water at the same time and everyone is pulling and paddling together. That's the key, timing, timing, timing. A team will good timing will beat a team with pure brawn."

David Quick contributed to this story.