When Steve Fiske took the helm as the Boston College women’s rowing coach, his goal was to watch his Eagles soar. Looking for ways to challenge his team and raise the level of competition Fiske felt the Dad Vail Regatta was the perfect race to achieve that goal. “I had a familiarity with the Dad Vail when I rowed at Fordham,” said Fiske, who captured a silver medal in the Varsity Four. “I knew the Dad Vail was a great race and it was perfect for a young program like ours.” After competing as a club sport for eight years, the Eagles made the transition to a varsity program and was only in its second year of varsity status when coming to Philadelphia. The previous year, the Eagles made their inaugural appearance and advanced to the Grand Finale in the Varsity Eight. Although they did not medal, Fiske viewed the trip as a successful one that would serve as a foundational piece in raising the level of the program. With Villanova entering the 2001 Dad Vail as the two-time defending champion in the Varsity Eight, Fiske knew they would be a very tough opponent. Arriving in Philadelphia having had a successful spring season to date, Fiske was confident his team could challenge for Gold. With a boat that included one freshman as well as many returners from the previous year, Fiske hoped prior experience as well as the confidence they continued to gain throughout the spring would pay dividends. From the outset, the Eagles would seize control and continue to put distance between themselves and the rest of the competition. Nearing the finish line, the Eagles saw open water and would cruise to the win. 25YEARSAGO A fledgling Boston College Eagles program Soars to victory in Varsity Eight by Ed Levin
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