By: Christa Musial Beginning in 1994, the Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee has recognized a Coach who has a distinguished record of accomplishment and who personifies character traits worthy of emulation in a quest to encourage student athletes to uphold the highest traditions and practices. This year we are pleased to announce that going forward we will present two awards- one to a Coach of a participating Men’s team and one to a Coach of a participating Women’s team. KATE GODWIN AWARD This award is named for Kate Godwin, the Co-Chief Referee of the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta. For more than three plus decades, Kate has been instrumental to the success of Dad Vail. Each year she works in tandem with her Co-Chief John Musial to ensure the athletes have a safe and fair race. She organizes and orchestrates the movements of the referees so that races can be executed fairly and on time. Like so many in the rowing community, Kate’s support of the sport is not contained to just the Jefferson Dad Vail regatta. Kate has served as a board member and officer of the SRAA, PSRA, and Pennsylvania Barge Club. In a historically male dominated sport, Kate is a female trailblazer, leader and a mentor who is easily recognized by her boater hat. Beginning this year, we honor Kate and her service presenting the inaugural Kate Godwin Coach Award to a Women’s Team Coach who personifies Kate’s dedication to the Jefferson Dad Vail and the rowing community. MATT LEDWITH AWARD This award is named for Matt Ledwith, a longtime volunteer and supporter of the Dad Vail Regatta and the rowing community. Matt’s love of rowing began when he joined the LaSalle College High School rowing team and was further strengthened when he rowed for LaSalle University and participated in the Dad Vail Regatta. Upon graduating, Matt continued to support the sport he loved through countless hours of service dedicated to both the Dad Vail and to the Philadelphia rowing community. Matt was committed to the athletes and coaches; he wanted everyone to love the sport as much as he did. This year marks 20 years since Matt strode the banks of the river in his gold jacket and we continue to honor him by recognizing a Men’s Team Coach who exhibits the same dedication to the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta and the rowing community as Matt did. COACH AWARDS You are cordia The President’ in recog Jefferson D Friday, May 10 to be co Camden Co L 7050 N Pennsauken T The winners of the Contest wil pres
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