With every stroke, a rhythmic beat, The oarsman’s passion can’t be beat. A master of the water’s grace, He leaves his mark on time and space. Rowing is a sport that establishes friendships for life! Rowers competing and volunteers working at the Dad Vail Regatta year after year, all join in that common friendship which once planted, flourishes for a lifetime. We lost a true friend of rowing on November 10, 2024 when Paul Schugsta left us. Paul worked the Dad Vail Regatta for over fifty years as a referee. In recent years Paul transitioned into other areas of service. As captain of the VIP boat, Paul shared the history of rowing on the Schuylkill River and escorted Dad Vail Regatta guests on a Boathouse Row tour of Undine Barge Club, Malta Boat Club and Pennsylvania Barge Club. His rowing career began at Malta Boat Club and LaSalle College. Paul was captain of the LaSalle crew during the 1966/67 season, and after college Paul continued as a master rower who could be seen just about every week on the Schuylkill River well into his 70’s. Over his countless years of dedication to rowing, Paul’s contributions to this timeless sport were numerous. Of the many awards Paul received, two stand out- The Dad Vail Regatta, John A. Seitz Award, which is presented annually at the Dad Vail Regatta to an individual whose service to the Dad Vail is exemplary; and the Malta, Dr. George Morton Illman Award which is given to a person in the Schuylkill Navy who has done the most for rowing. Paul was also recognized and memorialized with a boat named in his honor. Paul’s rowing history includes being a licensed US Rowing Referee and officiating at the myriad of rowing events including high school, college, regattas and headraces. Paul served on the Board of Directors and as Secretary of Pennsylvania Barge Club for many years and he was the Malta representative to the Schuylkill Navy of Philadelphia. In addition to Dad Vail, a regatta that was very close to Paul’s heart is the Bayada Regatta for rowers with disabilities. Paul served as the chief referee for the Bayada Regatta for many years, leaving a profound and lasting legacy. The Bayada Regatta, known globally as the first rowing event exclusively for athletes with disabilities, benefitted immensely from Paul’s leadership and vision. He brought professionalism, dedication and integrity to every aspect of the regatta, and upheld the highest standards. In the early days of adaptive rowing, recognition and appreciation for athletes with disabilities were sparse. Yet, Paul consistently demonstrated through words and actions that these athletes deserved acknowledgement and celebration equal to any able-bodied competitor. Paul also had a way of keeping things real. He didn’t put up with nonsense, and you could always count on him to set things straight – sometimes with a raised eyebrow or a sharp knowing look. More than once, his “corrective guidance” left no room for confusion. You knew you had to step up your game when Paul was around. Family for Paul was first and foremost. He was Kathy’s loving husband as well as role model and father to his sons. His working career was as an executive in the pharmaceutical industry, traveling worldwide. The last week of Paul’s life he was blessed to be surrounded by his rowing friends, enjoying oysters and wine. A good time was had by all, especially Paul. It was a special night. Friendships for life! Paul Schugsta A FINALToast By Ken Shaw, Jr We rowed, my friend and I, out past the swallowing reeds and the water lilies to where the river opened into a world of morning light and the herons’ voices and the musky scent of redemption and then we dipped our oars in unison and glided silently toward heaven.
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