The 2013 U.S. Canoe/Kayak Team Trials and Deep Creek Open were held at the ASCI whitewater course in McHenry this past weekend. The event hosted several of the best paddlers from around the world, including two-time Olympian Casey Eichfeld (above) and Garrett County resident Casey Beall (below). Eichfeld of Drums, Pa., grabbed a spot on the U.S. World Cup Team after seizing first place in men’s single canoe, and paired with Devin McEwan to grab the gold in men’s double canoe as well. Eichfeld’s penalty-free first run was 1.48 seconds faster than five-time Olympic medalist Michal Martikan of Slovakia. Beall is currently a student at Garrett College, and works at ASCI and Precision Rafting in Friendsville. His grandmother, Mary Walcek, has been a Garrett County resident of over 20 years. While Beall did not meet the standards to earn a spot on the Under-23 U.S. Team, he did qualify for the Under-23 World Championships. More here.
