River Rat

John "The River Rat" Broge, #67

My step dad has been involved in boat racing for 20 years now. He is the pit crew manager for his best friend John Broge. John's nickname is The River Rat because thats where he grew up at, on the river. John is the 2005 world champion Roar on the River boat racer. The "roar on the river" has been going on for 56 years now and is a group of boat racers that travel to different staes to compete for the world chams. The 3rd weekend in July is always the wyandotte races on the detroit river here in Michigan. They usually travel to Florida, Texas, Georgia, Indiana, and Ohio, maybe some more, but I don't know. When we go to the races we get to sit in the pits and be with everyone involved in the races, its pretty cool to be behind the scenes. Today I took the girls to Elizabeth park where the races are. We were watching the qualifing laps for the big race tomorrow when John turned a corner and caught a wave. He nose dived and then flipped over. He was stuck under water. It was so scary watching the rescue workes try to save him. They eventually pulled him out, but something still wasn't right. John was having problems. They life flighted him to the University of Michigan hospital. Its one of the best hospitals to be in. We were all still waiting to hear whats going on when I left at 9:00pm. Its really scary to think the worse, so I am trying to be positive. I know deep inside that John will be okay. He has been doing this is whole life and everyone is supporting him. Please keep John in your thoughts and prayers. Thanks