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Ed Levin
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In 2025, Brendan Cunningham cemented his place among the top rising leaders in collegiate rowing, earning the Matt Ledwith Coach of the Year honors at the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta. The recognition followed a remarkable season in which Cunningham guided Temple’s men’s crew back to national prominence and reestablished the program’s historic standard of excellence.

In just his second year at the helm of his alma mater, Cunningham orchestrated a resurgence. Temple’s varsity eight captured its first Dad Vail title since 2021, edging a highly competitive field in a thrilling grand final.

The victory was part of an impressive overall showing, with multiple Temple boats earning gold medals and the program consistently competing at a national level.

That success carried into the postseason, where Temple placed three boats in the national top 20 at the IRA National Championships – a significant benchmark of depth and competitiveness. Cunningham’s squad also gained international experience, as both the varsity eight and a four represented the program at the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta.

Beyond the results, Cunningham’s impact has been rooted in culture. A former Temple rower himself, he emphasized athlete ownership, accountability, and daily improvement – principles that resonated throughout the roster.

The Matt Ledwith Coach of the Year honor reflects not only competitive achievement but also leadership and program development. For Cunningham, it underscores a rapid transformation built on both tradition and innovation, and signals that Temple crew is once again a force on the Schuylkill River.