THE ERA OF POLARIZATION “Bill and I teamed together to win Nationals in the Doubles and Quads in 1977 when he started rowing for the NYAC.”7021 Belden: “In 1977, Jim Dietz and I came in fifth in the heavy doubles at the Worlds. “In 1979, I won my second World Championship in the lightweight singles and came in seventh in the doubles with Jim. “In 1980, I won the Nationals and came in second at the Worlds in the lightweight singles. In the heavyweight singles I won the Olympic Trials and lost to Phil Monkton of Canada in the heats for the Diamond Sculls after having a great start called back. “In 1984, I was back in Larry Klecatsky 1981 United States Champion Lightweight Double Klecatsky and Belden Oak Ridge, Tennessee Montréal eight years after the Olympics at the Lightweight Worlds in a double with Larry. We got fourth.”7022 Klecatsky: “Back in 1968, I had been the old guy and Bill was young. By 1984 we were both ‘seasoned.’ We won our heat, beating the World Champion Italian crew ‘big’ in heavy wind. A strong tail wind in final had us fourth.”7023 Belden: “I had a great fall season after the Worlds in ‘84, won the Head of the Schuylkill, beating Larry in a head race (the only time in my career), but then I hurt my back in early 1985, and it was time to start spending time with my family. “Altogether I had thirty-two National Championships with Undine, Fairmount and NYAC, thirteen National Teams, seven 7021 Klecatsky, personal correspondence, 2010 7022 Belden, op. cit. 7023 Klecatsky, op. cit. FISA medals. I had lots and lots of help along the way, especially from my wife Cathy.”7024 Klecatsky: “Belden and Klecatsky had no telephone visits, letters, cards, parties over the years, yet I felt as close to Bill as any friend or professional colleague, and I still do. Cathy, his wife, and their kids were a family admired at arm’s length. “There was one telephone call I do recall. Bill was having back issues with radiculitis (pain and tingling down the leg). He possibly knew I had similar symptoms, and he also knew I was a physician. I often served as team physician on early low budget U.S. Teams. “I was always conflicted when asked for medical advice, up against the masochistic value of ‘no pain, no gain’ or ‘pain is 7024 Belden, op. cit. 1965
