84T H A N N UA L Jefferson DadVail Regatta Friday, May 12–Saturday, May 13, 2023 Pennsauken, NJ | Cooper River
ARCHITECTURE • BUSINESS • DESIGN • ENGINEERING • FASHION & TEXTILES • HEALTH • MEDICINE • NURSING • SCIENCE • SOCIAL SCIENCE JEFFERSON.EDU/ANSWER At Thomas Jefferson University we dare to ask bold questions, like Can an industrial designer get a surfer back on his board? and Can the future of architecture empower global sustainability? But asking tough questions isn’t enough —we need to answer them. So, we are converging people, ideas and perspectives to find leading- edge solutions for real-world problems. We focus on our craft to drive progress and growth in architecture, business, design, engineering, fashion & textiles, health, medicine, nursing, science and social science. Built for a future that has yet to be defined, Jefferson is crossing disciplines to bring unrivaled innovation and discovery to higher education and to answer the questions that will redefine possible. REDEF INE POS S I B L E
It’s a pleasure to welcome you back to one of our area’s greatest collegiate events! The 2023 Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta is a wonderful opportunity – both to appreciate sports competition at its best and to celebrate the joy of gathering together in this year’s new location – the Cooper River. Thomas Jefferson University is pleased to once again be the title sponsor of this tradition. We salute the individual athletes who are daring to test their strength, skill and stamina in the Regatta. The Jefferson community is daring, too: Daring to ask the big, important questions of the 21st century–and daring to answer them–through research and discovery, teaching and learning, caring and healing, and redefining possible. We see a kindred spirit in the daring and dedicated women and men who will row the waters of the Cooper River in this year’s Regatta. We wish them (including our own Jefferson Rams!) the very best. Mark L. Tykocinski, MD President Thomas Jefferson University ARCHITECTURE | BUSINESS | DESIGN | ENGINEERING | FASHION & TEXTILES | HEALTH | MEDICINE | NURSING | SCIENCE | SOCIAL SCIENCE to the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta!
2 0 2 3 C AMD E N COU N T Y B OA R D O F COMM I S S I ON E R S The Board of Commissioners is proud to host the 84th annual Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta on the Cooper River for the very first time since the event has moved from its typical venue at the Schuylkill River National Racecourse. Cooper River Park in Pennsauken is home to many prestigious rowing events and boasts a world-class, Olympicdistance, 2000-meter narrow and sheltered straightaway. Hosting the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta is a great honor for us, and our internationally recognized racecourse. We are grateful that the Board of Directors of the Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee chose Camden County as the location for this renowned event and we are looking forward to hosting the thousands of world class athletes and the more than 30,000 fans who annually participate in the biggest collegiate regatta in the nation. The timing of the Dad Vail Regatta also aligns with the 100th anniversary of Cooper River Park. To celebrate this, Double Nickel Brewing Company of Pennsauken has created a special commemorative beer which will be launched at the Dad Vail Welcome Kick Off Event at the Boathouse. Cooper River Park encompasses 346 acres and through Pennsauken, Cherry Hill, Collingswood and Haddon Township. In addition to the boathouse, the park has several top-quality amenities for visitors to enjoy which includes: a children’s playground with pavilions, a softball field, a cross country course, the Camden County Driving Range, the Cooper River Yacht Club, two bike trails, Jack Curtis Stadium, a track, picnic areas, a bocce court and more. We are eager to roll out the red carpet for the rowers, staff and fans for the Dad Vail Regatta and cannot wait to show everyone what Cooper River Park has to offer. Camden County Board of Commissioners J E F F R E Y L . N A S H L OU I S C A P P E L L I , J R . DIRECTOR E DWA R D T . MC DONN E L L DEPUTY DIRECTOR V I R G I N I A B E T T E R I D G E J ON A T H A N L . YOU NG , S R . M E L I N DA K A N E A L DY E R Welcome LETTER OF
Proud to Support the 2023 Dad Vail Regatta
DAD VAIL REGATTA ORGANIZING COMMITTEE OFFICERS JOHN R. GALLOWAY Chairman JAMES R. HANNA President KEVIN F. BACKE Vice President PATRICK MCCANN Vice President JOHN F. LEONARD Regatta Secretary PATRICIA A. WINTON Recording Secretary THOMAS G. DeLUTIS Treasurer DIRECTORS JOHNR. GALLOWAY, Chairman KEVIN F. BACKE BRIAN A. BAPTISTE WILLIAM BRADSHAW KEVIN DAVIS THOMAS G. DeLUTIS DON DIJULIA LARRY DOUGHERTY JAMES R. HANNA WILLIAM K. JURGENS, JR. MORRIE LEDWITH JOHN F. LEONARD ASIYA MAHMUD PATRICK MCCANN LOU MCCORMICK GREGORY MONTANARO KIRSTEN MORASCO JOSEPH MURPHY M.D. JOHN J. MUSIAL BRADEN J. NEGAARD CHRISTOPHER L. O’BRIEN, JR. LAUREN M. VIDAS PATRICIA A. WINTON ADVISORY BOARD JILL BODENSTEINER WILLIAM E. MIFFLIN DENIS O’BRIEN STEPHAN M. ROSENFELD VINCENT SZYMKOWSKI REGATTA MANAGERS PERRY HAMILTON General Manager JOHN MUSIAL Chief Referee KATE GODWIN Co-Chief Referee CHRISTA MUSIAL Director of Registration MARY LEDWITH Chief Medical Official MORRIE LEDWITH Dock Master Director TRICIA WINTON Director of Volunteers AWARDS AND RECOGNITION KIRSTEN MORASCO KATE MORRO NOLEN MORASCO AINSLEY MORASCO KRIS POPP RIVER MARSHALS JOHN LEONARD DAVE KACALA MICHAEL CIPOLLONE PETER McNAMARA US ROWING REFEREES JOHN MUSIAL Chief Referee KATE GODWIN Co-Chief Referee THE JURY DENNIS SMITH AUGIEMEROLLE BILLY CUNNINGHAM CHRIS LAWSON DANHARMON DAN JONES DANSWARTLEYMCCARDLE DENNIS STREEBEL DUNCANHUDSON ED FAGAN JIMKALKBRENNER JOANSHOLL JOE EBLE JOE KIEFFER JOHNKOWAL JOHNROSS JORG SALAS KATHLEEN DAMEO KENSCOTT LEANNEDILUCCA LINDBAITTY MARTYNGREENACRE MIKEMURPHY PAUL CAPUTO SANDY KILEN SCOTTWOODWORTH SUSANSCHMIDT TOMMANNLE TOMRORER TOMTACNER TONY DENOFA ZORY SALAS ANNOUNCERS LOU MCCORMICK Finish Line Tower GERRY PATERSON Lane Assignments & Results TOM O’KEEFE Lane Assignments & Results BRAD NEGAARD Color Analyst ANNETTE NEGAARD Assistant to Announcers BILL JURGENS Live Streaming Committee JOE LEONARD Live Stream Anchor ACQUIL ABDULLAH Live Stream Anchor TOM O’KEEFE Regatta Formalities REGATTA OPERATIONS KEVIN BACKE PAT MCCANN MORRIE LEDWITH JOHN MUSIAL KIRSTEN MORASCO CHRIS O’BRIEN JOHN LEONARD JEFFERSON DAD VAIL REGATTA PROGRAM PRODUCER STUART FRANKS WEB SITE MANAGER JON BERNSTEIN JUDGES AT FINISH BOB CLARKE LOU MCCORMICK, III LAUNCH AREA MORRIE LEDWITH JACK CONLIN JOHN JUGLER DIANE GODOROV PROVISIONS/ HOSPITALITY KATIE BACKE KAREN O’BRIEN KRIS PROPP PRESS RELATIONS ED LEVIN SOCIAL MEDIA MEGAN THEDINGA PHOTOGRAPHY JIM AULENBACK RESULTS DEBBIE CORNATZER REGISTRATION CHRISTA MUSIAL KAT MUSIAL JUDY KAPLOW TIMING SYSTEM JASON MOODY STREAMING VIDEO FIVE TRIBES CINEMA PRODUCTIONS COLIN STEWART DIRECTORS OF VOLUNTEERS KATHLEEN MADDEN TRICIA WINTON WEATHER MONITOR ANDREW SHIPOTOFSKY IT CONSULTANT DAVE KEPHART THE COACHES COMMITTEE KHALED SANAD (CHAIR) GREGG HARTSUFF JOHN BANCHERI CHRIS O’BRIEN ANTHONY CHACON (Secretary and IT helper) HOSPITALITY KATIE BACKE J J FORSTER LOCAL ORGANIZING COMMITTEE MOORESTOWN ROWING CLUB SPECIAL THANKS TO JOE BRIGHT, ESQ. ROWAMERICA ALL THE VOLUNTEERS FOR THEIR TIME REGATTAOffficcialss
© PECO Energy Company, 2019 At PECO, our employees invest thousands of volunteer hours and we contribute more than $6 million each year to help our communities grow and prosper. We also champion efforts that impact education, the environment, arts and culture, and community enrichment. PECO is a proud supporter of the 2023 Dad Vail Regatta.
N. Park Drive Cuthbert Blvd Rt. 130 START FINISH 500m 1000m 1500m Cuthbert Blvd. S. Park Drive L E G E N D Rt. 70 Cuthbert Parking Main Concourse Race Course & FOOD COURT LEGEND S. Park Drive N. Park Drive Cuthbert Blvd Rt. 130 Browning Rd Crew / Trailer Dock 2 Dock 1 Park Drive N. Park Drive Rt. 130 Browning Rd Officials Parking Camden County Boathouse Boathouse McClellan Ave. Browning Rd. Dock 4 Park Drive N. Park Drive Cuthbert Blvd Rt. 130 Browning Rd Boat / Team Storage Dock 3 Alumni Village Crew / Trailer VIP Parking Finish Line Tower Grand Stands Awards LaScala’s Birra N. Park Drive Donahue Ave.
American University Crew Team Jorge Galindo Boston University Women’s Crew Malcolm Doldron Bowdoin College Doug Welling Brandeis University Derek Jenesky Brock University Peter Sommerwill Bryant University Steph Ricker Bryn Mawr College Catherine Ely Cabrini University Tim Hagan Carnegie Mellon University Rowing Club Adam Herrick Catholic University of America Katie O’Driscoll Zach Hicks Clarkson University Crew Club Boris Jukic Central Florida Men's Rowing Raevaun Clarke Clemson University Bradley Manning Colgate University Rowing Khaled Sanad Dominican College Ivan Rudolph-Shabinsky Drexel University Paul Savell D’Youville College Michael Cote Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Dan Schenk Fairfield University Rowing David Patterson Florida Institute Technology Adam Thorstad Fordham University Nick Chwalkowski Franklin & Marshall Robert Brady Franklin Pierce College Shawn Turner George Mason University Jamie Easter Georgetown University Abbey Wilkowski Georgia Tech Rowing Club Ansley Boutwell Gordon College Madeline Hopkins High Point University Burt Whicker Iona College Crew John Boyd Jacksonville University Rowing Mike Lane LaSalle University Kelsey Franks Lafayette College Crew Club Rick Kelliher Lehigh University Peter Costa
Long Island University Jaclyn Smith Loyola University Rowing Megan Patrick Manhattan College Michael Ward Kate Hicks Marietta College Abby Klicker Greg Myhr Massachusetts Institute of Technology Amelia Patton Will Oliver Massachusetts Maritime Academy John Edwards Tessa Shade Mercyhurst University Adrian Spracklen Merrimack College Andrew Finch Milwaukee School of Engineering Charles Stollenwerk Nazareth College Emily Farrar Oklahoma City University Rowing Cory Conzemius Penn State Crew Zach How Robert Morris University Robert Weber Rollins College Crew Shawn Pistor Rutgers University Men’s Crew Stephen Wagner Saint Joseph’s University Mike Irwin Simmons College Andrii Ivanchuck Stetson University Crew Jamie Francis Stockton University Chris O’Brien Temple University Brian Perkins The College of New Jersey Crew Autumn Brook Tucker Thomas Jefferson University Michiel Bartman U. S. Merchant Marine Academy Derek Hartwick U. S. Military Academy Crew Tom Babbitt University of Alabama/Huntsville Charles Eadon University of Delaware Men’s Crew Chuck Crawford University of Pittsburgh Jacquelyn Rice University of Rhode Island Tim Nesselrodt University of St. Thomas Jonathan Buchert University of Tampa Bill Dunlap University of Vermont Frances Stripp Villanova Wildcat Rowing Association Carissa Adams Washington College Will McLean Western University Matthew Waddell William & Mary Rebecca Newman
We’re right around the corner. And always in yours. For nearly 200 years, WSFS Bank has stood for one thing: Service. We’re committed to doing what’s right and helping the communities where we live, work and play. That’s why we’re honored to support the Dad Vail Regatta. Member FDIC | wsfsbank.com
1. LaSalle University 2. Drexel University 3. Rollins College Crew 4. Fairfield University Rowing 5. Jacksonville University Rowing 6. Loyola University Maryland 7. Marietta College 8. University of Delaware Men’s Crew 9. Penn State Crew Alumni 10. Manhattan College Alumni TENTS PROUDLY SPONSORING DAD VAIL
The Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee established “Friends of the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta,” a membership supported endeavor, to rally both long-time and new fans of North America’s largest collegiate rowing regatta. Friends of the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta accept financial gifts from individuals and groups to strengthen the financial underpinnings of an unparalleled rowing tradition that began in 1934 and has become an iconic Philadelphia regional event. To join the Friends of the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta and make a financial gift, go to www.dadvail.org and click on the Donate Now button. Become a Friend of the JEFFERSON DAD VAIL REGATTA
Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta LLP is proud to support the
Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee SAFESPORT POLICY Effective as of January 1, 2015 Condensed SafeSport Policy (For Entire Policy and Program See Website www.dadvail.org) DVROC’s SafeSport program is designed to insure athlete safety and promote an environment free from six forms of prohibited conduct to include actual or alleged bullying, hazing, harassment (including sexual harassment), emotional misconduct, physical misconduct and sexual misconduct (including child sexual abuse). REPORTING AN INCIDENT Any person who has been a party to, or witness to any one or more of the six prohibited acts of misconduct shall prepare a written report and deliver a copy to two DVROC Officials at two, separate meetings. DVROC Officials, who can be recognized by their Gold colored jackets, circulate throughout the Regatta on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of the Regatta weekend. All reports shall always be treated as confidential, shall be clearly marked as confidential, shall contain the name of the person who prepared the report, and the date and time of the alleged incident, the name(s) of the victim(s), the specific prohibition which has been violated, and the date and time the report has been provided to each of the two DVROC Official, as well as the printed and signed name of the two DVROC Officials who received copies of the report. A record of all information shall be maintained by the victim or the victim’s advocate. Due to the sensitive nature of any reported alleged incident, circulation shall be strictly limited to those parties with a specific “need to know.” For final disposition of any alleged incident, DVROC Officials will refer the matter to, and furnish the subject report to the Chief Referee who is always a US Rowing Licensed Referee, who shall be responsible to follow appropriate incident reporting receipt of any report to the President of DVROC, who shall assume for responsibility for providing notification to the proper authorities. In the event of an emergency or there exists a need for anonymity, hot line phone numbers follow: 610.952.4293 – DVROC, President, J.R, Hanna 610.213.0939 – DVROC, Board Member, Kirsten Ledwith Morasco DRONE RULE Permission to use any drone at the Dad Vail Regatta must be approved, in writing, in advance of the first day of the Regatta, by DVROC and by the Chief Referee. Anyone seeking to operate a drone at the Dad Vail Regatta must petition for permission prior to the event. This petition shall include times, area of operation, operator name and contact information as well as the specific location from where the drone shall be operated. Any drone operating at the Regatta without proper approval will be grounded. The crew associated with the outlaw drone may be penalized. CAPSIZE RULE Any crew that capsizes in the marshalling area, starting line or while racing will not be permitted to compete. If a crew capsizes while rowing to the start (outside the marshalling area) they will be permitted to compete provided all of the athletes and the related equipment are deemed to be in good condition. No races will be delayed due to a capsize event. Capsize and Drone Rules Capsize Rule Any crew that capsizes in the marshalling area, starting line or while racing will be Drone Rule Permission to use any drone at the Dad Vail Regatta must be approved, in writing, in advance of the rst day of the Regatta, by DVROC and by the Chief Referee. Anyone seeking to operate a drone at the Dad Vail Regatta must petition for permission prior to the event. is petition shall include times, area of operation, operator name and contact information as well as the speci c location from where the drone shall be operated. Any dr ne operating at the Regatta without proper approval will be grounded. e crew associated with the outlaw drone may be penalized.
Harry Emerson Vail, a former rower, captain (1892-93) and assistant coach at Harvard for seven years, was hired at Wisconsin after E. R. Sweetland, former Cornell rower, resigned after only three winter months on the job. Vail immediately made an impact on the Badger rowers, as chronicled by the Wisconsin State Journal of March 11, 1911, “All of the crew men like the strapping giant, who peels o his citizen clothes and gets into the gym suit to show them how to operate an oar in a shell.” A year later, Vail's varsity placed second to Cornell by only three seconds over four miles at the Poughkeepsie Regatta. Over the summer of 1914, the UWmedical faculty and the Athletic Council decided to ban crew as causing an enlarged heart and therefore being a danger to the athletes. Vail a nationally known sculler and coach, was therefore forced to bide his time at Wisconsin and wait ten more years before returning to the Hudson to compete again in the Poughkeepsie Regatta. His perseverance kept a national crew perspective at Madison. Later studies proved the heart, a muscle, enlarges like any other exercised muscle, and that rowers showed a lower risk of premature death over their lifetimes than non-athletes. During this period, crew became a club sport for some of the years and, after the ban was removed for the 1920-21 season, returned to shortcourse races against other colleges for the balance of the years. Vail is credited by all for maintaining a campus spirit for the sport of crew and for helping to bring it back to varsity status in the early 1920's. e truth is, crew would probably have never died completely, given the inherent advantages to the sport on a Madison campus situated between two large lakes. In 1924, Vail returned to the Hudson River and his varsity eight again took 2nd place at the Poughkeepsie Regatta. During the 1920's, Vail would host opposing crews and coaches that would touch him or Wisconsin in later years. Future Wisconsin coaches-Washington rowers Mike Murphy and Norm Sonju, rowed in Madison in the 1920's against Vail-coached Wisconsin crews. Washington Coach “Rusty” Callow (later a Penn and, nally, the Navy head crew coach)visited Madison with his crews in 1927 and was so moved by Vail's warmth, humor and humility, that he would later initiate, in 1934, the rst “Dad” Vail trophy in a regatta that later o cially became the “Dad” Vail Regatta. It is today the largest collegiate regatta in the nation, attracting men's and women's Division II crews and new crew programs from Division I colleges. When “Dad” Vail died in his native Canada in 1928, Wisconsin State Journal Sports Editor, Henry J. McCormick, who rowed for Vail, wrote of his mentor's death, he “never had a more abiding a ection for anyone” than he felt for Vail. Meet “Dad” Vail
By Ed Levin When the Drexel Dragons men’s rowing team puts the blades in the water each spring, their focus is making improvements each day to gear up for their penultimate event – the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta! The past five trips to the regatta have included one bronze medal finish, one silver medal finish and two trips to the podium to be presented with the coveted gold medal with the most recent trip being last year. “It felt like we finally emerged from our Covid state with crowds and cheering and a great celebration,” said Paul Savell, Drexel’s Director of Rowing and Head Men’s coach. “It felt “right” for all the competitors that have had to deal with the problems of the previous years. So glad they were all able to have that experience that they will never forget for the rest of their lives.” After emerging through the heats with the fastest time albeit by a few hundredths of a second, Savell knew his team would have to be at their best if they were going to row to victory. For the entire 2,000-meter race the crews from Colgate, Temple, St. Joseph’s and Drexel battled throughout with each team ramping up their stroke rate. With the four crews battling each other, the Dragons began to separate from the pack at 1,250-meter mark. By the time they reached the island with 500 meters remaining, the Dragons upped their stroke rate and had to fend off a late charge from Colgate who is a fourth quarter team to earn their second gold medal in three years. “To win the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta meant a lot to me and our team, because it felt like it was the pinnacle of our rowing season last year.” said senior Damian Lis, who rowed in the 5 seat. “The atmosphere on the river was exhilarating and it was amazing to see so many rowers and supporters attending from all the teams.” Savell added, “It was a great battle with Colgate, Temple and St Joes all ramping up their stroke rate to charge for the finish line. To see the Drexel bow out in front was awesome and humbling. Our team worked so hard to make that happen and yet we have a high regard for our competition.” With less than three weeks to go until the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta, the Dragons have had a successful spring earning wins over Navy at the Occoquan Invitational, a 2nd place finish at the Princeton Invite and Knecht Cup Regatta and finally a successful defense of their Kerr Cup title. Even with all of their early success they know that defending their Dad Vail title will certainly be a challenging task. “I think it would be a great accomplishment if we can win Dad Vail,” said Lis. “The task will be challenging for sure. In addition to the talented crews we face each year, part of rowing at Drexel includes half the team having co-ops in the spring and summer. This provides great career orientated learning and experience. Since some of the rowers have full time jobs, morning practices are very early and can be hurried, and sometimes it can be hard to organize a second row in the evening.” The 84th Annual Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta, presented by AmeriHealth, PECO and Coca-Cola will be staged on the Cooper River, in Pennsauken Township, New Jersey on Friday, May 12, and Saturday, May 13. The Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta will kick off a summer long celebration for the 100th year of the Cooper River. DRAGONS READY TO ROAR AT 84THANNUAL JEFFERSON DADVAIL REGATTA
PARA RACING AT DAD VAIL B Y T A Y L O R R O B E R T S When I think about the 84th running of the Jef ferson Dad Vai l Regatta, one word comes to mind—change. Every May, crews gather f rom around the country to celebrate and test a culminat ion of thei r hard work by leaving i t al l on the l ine at the start blocks . However , whi le the spi r i t of Dad Vai l remains an unchangeable constant , we commence this year ’ s race wi th a new host state, a new r iver , a new course, and an abundance of potent ial. As the organizing commi ttee cont inues to foster a more compet i t ive and equi table racing envi ronment for para athletes , what dist inguishes this pursui t is thei r unwaver ing commi tment to incorporat ing these events into the team points structure. By pr ior i t izing these races alongside every other event on the schedule, they not only operate wi th the intent ion of cul t ivat ing greater sport equal i ty for col legiate rowers of al l abi l i t ies , but also wi th the goal of mot ivat ing coaches to make thei r programs more inclusive. This is what makes Dad Vai l remarkable. As each season ushers in a new cohort of para athletes , the Jef ferson Dad Vai l is steadfast in thei r support of growing this integral part of the sport , especial ly in spi te of the barr iers that make developing a pipel ine chal lenging. As the organizing commi ttee cont inues to blaze a trai l for inclusive racing opportuni t ies at the col legiate level , they remain dedicated to making these events , whether i t be on the Schuylki l l or the Cooper River , compet i t ive and accessible for al l . -- TheWinds o f Change
Thomas Jefferson University’s Women’s rowing head coach Michiel Bartman often jokes he has the best office in town (and maybe the country)—the famed Boathouse Row. “I believe Philadelphia is the rowing capital of the United States,” he says. The 55-year-old coach speaks from experience. Bartman has spent a better part of his life on the water, competitively racing on the world’s largest stages. As a longtime member of the Dutch National Team, he helped lead the Netherlands to Olympic gold in the 1996 Atlanta games. Bartman also earned silvers in the 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Olympics. He now has his sights set on the upcoming Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta. One of the nation’s biggest collegiate rowing events, it attracts some 100 schools from across the United States. This will be Bartman’s first time coaching the Rams at Dad Vail. He joined Jefferson last year, succeeding Chris O’Brien as the second women’s rowing head coach in program history. Bartman came to Jefferson after serving as an assistant coach at Temple University for three years. During Bartman’s tenure with the Owls, the school won four Dad Vail medals, including a varsity eight bronze at the 2021 regatta, the first medal by the team’s top boat since 1999. Bartman’s collegiate coaching experience also includes stints as the head men’s and women’s lightweight coach at Harvard University. After leading larger teams of 50 to 60 rowers, Bartman prefers to coach a smaller squad of about 25 Jefferson student-athletes, who row out of the historic Crescent Boat Club on Kelly Drive. “It’s more fun to work with them because the rowers receive more individual attention,” he says. “Along with my two great assistants, Jeff Culter and alumna Sarah Doelp, we can help them grow and become better athletes.” Health sciences student Maggie Sher says Bartman has helped her view rowing differently: “It’s beneficial that he focuses on our personal improvement as well as just being 1% better every day. I can tell he cares for each rower as a person and an athlete.” Olympic Gold Medalist Michiel Bartman brings decades of experience to Jefferson. RAMSROWING by Mike Bederka, Senior Manager, News and Media, Thomas Jefferson University Photo credit: Christopher Dantonio
Bartman’s international experience and extensive rowing knowledge allow team members to learn more about technique and the sport, adds Captain Caitlin Lawson. “He pushes us every day, focusing on each athlete to perform to their highest potential,” says Lawson, an industrial and systems engineering student. “With his guidance, we continue to improve our performance, and we’re always looking for ways to better ourselves.” Bartman often harkens back to his Olympic days to prep his team—whether it’s improving their physiology or motivating themwith a story. “With the Olympics, four years of work comes down to a little less than six minutes of performance,” he says, quickly deadpanning. “No pressure.” Such intense competition taught him how to stay level-headed during highstress situations, a skill he works to pass along to the athletes, Bartman says. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or elite, the struggle is the same.” In fact, composure and a strong work ethic generally will beat out a height advantage for a true edge over the competition, he says. “Your mentality is one of the biggest components of becoming a successful rower,” says Bartman, noting he has high hopes for the Rams at Dad Vail on May 12-13. In a unique move, the regatta will be temporarily held at the Cooper River in Cherry Hill, NJ (A dredging project forced the event from its usual spot on the Schuylkill River this year.) A change of venue shouldn’t impact the Rams in their quest for a top finish in this important event, Bartman says. A positive showing at Dad Vail could earn Jefferson a bid for the NCAA Division II Championship. Last year, the Rams earned fourth place in the NCAAs—the best finish in school history. But like most coaches, especially experienced ones, Bartman doesn’t want to look too far ahead. Right now, he remains focused on Dad Vail and all the excitement that comes with it. “I’m just looking forward to a great weekend of racing,” Bartman says.
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A national research doctoral university formed by one of the nation’s most innovative and successful mergers (Thomas Jefferson University + Philadelphia University), Jefferson is a professions-focused, global institution located in the heart of Philadelphia. We bring unrivaled innovation and discovery to higher education and prepare students for the future of work. How? Through high-stakes projects that cross industries and continents. Through a trademarked approach to education—Nexus Learning™—that shatters silos and cultivates collaboration. Through a Creativity Core Curriculum and design-thinking mentality at both the undergraduate and graduate levels in a variety of fields, including medicine, architecture, business, design, engineering, health, science, fashion, textiles, nursing and the social sciences. At Thomas Jefferson University, our students redefine possible. ARCHITECTURE • BUSINESS • DESIGN • ENGINEERING • FASHION & TEXTILES • HEALTH • MEDICINE • NURSING • SCIENCE • SOCIAL SCIENCE By daring to ask the bold questions, and by daring to answer them. Our Jefferson graduates are in demand!
No matter what students study at Jefferson, Nexus Learning is at the core of their academic experience. Nexus Learning is powered by action, collaboration, real-world situations and in-demand liberal arts skills. From working with students across majors to identifying and solving problems for Verizon or NASA to responding to national crises. From leading-edge equipment to mastering the art of intellectual risk-taking and learning that is borderless. Our goal is to make students not only successful, but iconic. What is Nexus Learning™? Magic happens when students work across disciplines to solve industry challenges. For example, our industrial design, engineering and business students come together every year to develop new products for automotive components manufacturer Tenneco. COLLABORATIVE Our Hallmarks Program empowers students to reach their full potential by teaching them to: • Question assumptions with rigorous inquiry and critical analysis. • Adapt to new challenges with contextual communication and global perspectives. • Contribute with intercultural insight and collaborative creation. • Act with confidence grounded in intellectual risk- taking and ethical reflection. THE LIBERAL ARTS Our students meet with congressional staff members in Washington, D.C.; win the World Sneaker Championship for an innovative shoe design; and design futuristic cities of 2050. ACTIVE Jefferson students log thousands of hours at COVID-19 vaccination sites; study fashion in Paris, global economics in Havana and biomimicry in Costa Rica; and help our neighbors register to vote and access absentee ballots for the presidential election. REAL-WORLD
GEORGETOWN Rowing’s Love for Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta has far reaches By Ed Levin If one wants to learn about Georgetown University’s affection for the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta – look no further than The Tombs, a local establishment near the Washington D.C. campus. “The founder of the Tombs, Dick McCooey, (GU ’62 loved Georgetown Rowing so much that he dedicated a section of the restaurant to supporting the rowing team with memorabilia throughout the years,” said Georgetown University lightweight women’s rowing coach Abbey Wilkowski. “A big part of this section has oars on display for every Dad Vail winning Varsity 8+. My team would love nothing more than to add to their collection and to the legacy of Georgetown Rowing.” Last year the Hoyas came close but could not overcome the quick start by Princeton and had to settle for second place. While winning the silver means a lot, adding a coveted gold medal would mean the world. “It would mean a lot for our program to win the Varsity 8+ category because it would show the immense progress our team has made over the last couple of years,” said senior Bailyn Prichett and junior Cara Barkenbush. “At Dad Vail we face our toughest competition from the IRA (except Stanford). Winning a race against a field of IRA boats is something that our team has never done, and doing so at the Dad Vail would be even more meaningful to our program because of the importance of The Tombs to the Georgetown student body. We would be delighted to see our oar on the wall for the most competitive event at the Dad Vail and would make sure to celebrate at The Tombs if we were to win!” Wilkowski added, “Winning gold this year would be very exciting for our program. We see many of our league competitors at this regatta and in this race, so winning would mean we are heading in the right direction with our speed and bode well for our championship in June.” The Hoyas opened the spring season winning the Class of 2004 Cup at the Radcliffe Duel for the first time since 2018 and most recently earned a thirdplace finish at the Eastern Sprints. “The Women’s Eastern Sprints a couple of weeks before Dad Vail I would say helps us prepare the most,” said Wilkowski. “At Sprints we will race the same crews that we will see at Dad Vails and our championship. Being able to learn from those races throughout the season is key to our success at the end of the year.” With the Sprints now in the rearview mirror, the Hoyas turn their attention to the event that holds a special place in their heart. “Our team loves racing at the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta,” said Prichett and Barkenbush. “It is such a great opportunity to see some of our biggest competition in our league before our IRA Championship, but it is also exciting getting to test our speed against strong crews that we normally don’t compete against. Additionally, a lot of people on our team are from the Philly area, so the support from family and friends at this race is never lacking and makes it so special. The regatta staff does an excellent job of running the races and making it a fun time for everyone competing, which brings our team back every year.” The 84th Annual Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta, presented by AmeriHealth will be staged on the Cooper River, in Pennsauken Township, New Jersey on Friday, May 12, and Saturday, May 13. The Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta will kick off a summer long celebration for the 100th year of the Cooper River.
25YEARS AGO The Temple Owls entered the 1998 season as the heavy favorites to win the Dad Vail title. The Owls had been the dominant team on the Schuylkill, winning the Varsity Heavyweight Eight race in 14 of the previous 15 years, including the previous nine straight. No program in Dad Vail history had dominated the prestigious race like the Owls, and none would match this championship in the future. Their dominance, however, led to extra pressure for the 1998 team to win on their home course as Jason Read, the team’s stroke recalls. “The competition was very significant. We won the Big East, and Murphy Cup leading up to Dad Vail where we had two great races,” said Read, who would later stroke the USA gold-medal eight at the 2004 Olympic Games. “We also had another great race in San Diego that season. It was really exciting to showcase our program at the Dad Vails after those races.” Behind the Owls success, was Hall of Fame head coach Gavin White, who took over the program from Tom “Bear” Curran in 1979. During White’s tenure the Owls dominated the Dad Vail Regatta with 20 wins in the Varsity Heavyweight Eight race including 13 consecutive wins from 1989 to 2001. “Those guys on the ‘98 boat were very talented,” said White. “We knew from the pre-season from looking at that Varsity Eight boat and thought they would be pretty good.” During that season we dealt with a lot of injuries but still were able to get the job done at the Dad Vails.” In 1998, the Owls were led by talented rowers, some of whom would go on to become members of National and Olympic crews. Joining Palmer and Read in the boat were Sean Casey, Nate Swift, Igor Francetic, Brendan Duke, John Clark, Kevin Gross, and Brendan Marzano. Read, who graduated from Temple in 2003, was pivotal in recruiting coxswain Reade Palmer to North Broad Street from Boston University where Palmer had started his career. Palmer and Read, both members of the 1995 National Rowing team, would help lead Temple to three Dad Vail Regatta Varsity Heavyweight Eight Titles. “The expectation was for us to win,” recalls Read. “The key for the Dad Vails for us was preparation for our appearance in the national championships. There were many elite crews at that race (the national championships) with Georgetown, Harvard, Yale, Stanford, and others that challenged us.” Conditions could not have been worse on Dad Vail weekend. Saturday’s race day was canceled due to heavy rains and the course was shortened from its traditional 2,000 meters to 1,500 for Sunday’s race. Temple started slowly and sat fourth after the first 300 meters. Coach White’s men then got into form and would go on to easily defeat second place Rhode Island, finishing the race in three minutes 43.01 seconds, to capture its 10th straight Dad Vail championship. The Rams were nearly seven seconds behind (3:49.59) while Marietta took home the bronze with a time of 3:51.44. “I think we were fourth after about 300 meters, but they really came on at the end,” White said immediately after the race. “That’s a credit to them. They really put it all together.” It was a year to remember for the Owls as they not only added to their Dad Vail Regatta dominance, but also their national prestige as one of the elite crews in the country. Dad Vail Champions Again: 1998 Temple Crew Extends Record Streak to 10 Straight By John Dailey
More Than Just Boats. RowAmerica 1010 Atlantic Street Bridgeport, CT info@rowamerica.com 203-866-7223 www.rowamerica.com DOCKS RACKS LAUNCHES
As homophones go, rowers are among those people best suited to differentiate between the words “crews” and “cruise.” There is nothing restful and relaxing…there is no cruising…when an athlete commits to competing on a crew team. Thematically, that concept applies to the 1973 Dad Vail Gold Medal winning UMass Men’s Varsity Eight, a crew celebrating the Golden Anniversary of their monumental victory on the hallowed waters of the Schuylkill River. That the boys in the boat… senior stroke and co-captain Jeff Allen, co-captain and senior Bill Moran, sophomore Bill Fitzpatrick, grad student Tony Joneck, junior Rich Clair, senior Al Flanders, sophomore Paul Gowen, sophomore Peter Berg and coxswain and sophomore Roger Bonsall…burst from the start to hold a never relinquished open water lead over a field that included defending champ and arch rival The Coast Guard Academy after just 500 meters might have appeared easy. But the end result was more about adapting to change and committing to hard, grueling routines than the final margin of victory. As the team gathered in the fall of 1972, longtime UMass coach Mike Faherty stepped aside in favor of Mike Vespoli, who came to Amherst fresh off competing for the US at the Munich Olympics. “Mike Faherty deserves a lot of credit for bringing to program to where it was,” recalled Flanders. “But I remember he had called a few of us to his office the previous season and said he thought he had taken the program as far as he could.” Rowing had always been a hard sport featuring none of the accolades that accompany most other collegiate sports. Vespoli took that hard training, and made it harder, as the new head coach declared early and often that winning the “Vail” was the only acceptable result. “For most of us,” Moran said, “it’s not a high glory sport. It’s a very rewarding sport, and an experience you only really appreciate later in life. Only those people who have rowed know what I mean. But the feeling doesn’t go away.” “The training that preceded even getting into a boat was harsh,” Fitzpatrick confided. “Running up 22-story buildings was one of the more punishing training events. By the time we reached the 12th floor, each leg felt like it weighed a couple of hundred pounds, and then just after that, my lungs felt like they were on fire.” Once most (but not all) of the ice was gone from the school’s home water on the Connecticut River, seat racing began begat assignments as the overall team members competed for the coveted seats in the “big boat.” 50YEARS AGO The Journey Justified... UMass Wins 1973 Dad Vail Gold
THE HISTORY OFWinners OF REGATTA Men’s Varsity HEAVYWEIGHT EIGHT 1934 Marietta 1935-42 Rutgers 1947-50 Boston U. 1951-53 La Salle 1954-55 Dartmouth 1956-58 La Salle 1959-61 Brown 1962 Georgetown 1963 Marietta 1964 Georgetown 1965 Northeastern 1966-67 Marietta 1968-69 Georgetown 1970 Saint Joseph’s U. 1971 Georgetown 1972 U.S. Coast Guard 1973-74 Massachusetts 1975-79 U.S. Coast Guard 1980 Massachusetts 1981 U.S. Coast Guard 1982 Florida I.T. 1983-87 Temple 1988 Florida I.T. 1989-01 Temple 2002 Dowling 2003-04 Temple 2005 Michigan U. 2006 Marietta 2007 Purdue 2008 Purdue 2009 Michigan U. 2010 Brock U. 2011 Michigan U. 2012 Michigan U. 2013 Drexel 2014 U. Massachusetts 2015 Florida I.T. 2016 Florida I.T. 2017 Drexel 2018 Temple 2019 Colgate 2020 Pandemic Cancellation 2021 Temple 2022 Drexel Women's Varsity HEAVYWEIGHT EIGHT 1976 Ithaca 1977 Western Ontario 1978 Wesleyan 1979 Ithaca 1980 Trinity 1981 Western Ontario 1982 Western Ontario 1983 Georgetown 1984 Minnesota 1985 New Hampshire 1986 New Hampshire 1987 Georgetown 1988 Minnesota 1989 Western Ontario 1990 Western Ontario 1991 U. Virginia 1992 U. S. Naval Academy 1993 Georgetown 1994 Temple 1995 U. Michigan 1996 Temple 1997 Western Ontario 1998 Purdue 1999 Villanova 2000 Villanova 2001 Boston College 2002 U. Massachusetts 2003 U. Massachusetts 2004 Sacramento State 2005 U. Connecticut 2006 Saint Joseph’s U. 2007 Purdue 2008 Cal. Davis 2009 Grand Valley 2010 Cal. Sacramento 2011 Purdue 2012 Duke 2013 Grand Valley 2014 U. Massachusetts 2015 U. Massachusetts 2016 U. Massachusetts 2017 Drexel 2018 Boston U. 2019 Boston U. 2020 Pandemic Cancellation 2021 Drexel 2022 Princeton Women's Varsity HEAVYWEIGHT 8 DIV II 2005 Barry 2006 Barry 2008 Dowling 2009 Mercyhurst U. 2010 Mercyhurst U. 2011 Mercyhurst U. 2012 Mercyhurst U. 2013 Barry 2014 Nova Southeastern 2015 Barry 2016 Barry 2017 Central Oklahoma 2018 UC San Diego 2019 Florida Tech 2020 Pandemic Cancellation 2021 Mercyhurst U. 2022 Mercyhurst U. Women's Varsity HEAVYWEIGHT 8 DIV III 2004 Marietta 2007 U. Rochester 2008 Dowling 2011 Marietta 2012 Marietta 2013 U. Rochester 2014 Marietta 2015 Marietta 2016 Ithaca 2017 Coast Guard 2019 Vassar 2020 Pandemic Cancellation 2021 Stockton 2022 Bryn Mawr Men’s Varsity LIGHTWEIGHT EIGHT 1971 Marietta 1972 U.S. Coast Guard 1973 Marietta 1974 Drexel 1975 Florida I.T. 1976 U.S. Coast Guard 1977 La Salle 1978 Toronto 1979 Western Ontario 1980 Trinity 1981 Trinity 1982 British Columbia 1983 Florida I.T. 1984 Rhode Island 1985 U.S. Coast Guard 1986 New Hampshire 1987 Florida I.T. 1988 Georgetown 1989 Georgetown 1990 Georgetown 1991 Rochester 1992 Western Ontario 1993 Western Ontario 1994 Marietta 1995 Toronto 1996 Florida I.T. 1997 Saint Joseph’s U. 1998 Florida I.T. 1999 Saint Joseph’s U. 2000 Purdue 2001 Villanova 2002 Fordham 2003 Delaware 2004 Boston College 2005 Boston College 2006 Georgia Tech 2007 Georgia Tech 2008 Fordham 2009 Delaware 2010 Mercyhurst 2011 Mercyhurst 2012 Mercyhurst 2013 Delaware 2014 M.I.T. 2015 Delaware 2016 Mercyhurst 2017 Delaware 2018 Mercyhurst 2019 Mercyhurst 2020 Pandemic Cancellation 2021 Mercyhurst 2022 M.I.T. DAD VAIL
Women's Varsity LIGHTWEIGHT EIGHT 1986 Lowell 1987 George Washington 1988 Cincinnati 1989 Washington U. 1990 George Washington 1991 Central Florida 1992 Florida I.T. 1993 Western Ontario 1994 Central Florida 1995 Central Florida 1996 Villanova 1997 Villanova 1998 Villanova 1999 Delaware 2000 U. Massachusetts 2001 Delaware 2002 Delaware 2003 Bucknell 2004 Purdue 2005 Dayton 2006 Dayton 2007 Ohio State 2008 Central Florida 2009 Bucknell 2010 U. Massachusetts 2011 Bucknell 2012 Bucknell 2013 Bucknell 2014 M.I.T. 2015 M.I.T. 2016 M.I.T. 2017 Boston U. 2019 Georgetown 2020 Pandemic Cancellation Men’s Varsity HEAVYWEIGHT FOUR 1979 Purdue 1980 Minnesota 1981 Marietta 1982 Tampa 1983 Tampa 1984 Ohio State 1985 Ohio State 1986 George Washington 1987 Minnesota 1988 Miami 1989 Michigan 1990 Connecticut C. 1991 La Salle 1992 British Columbia 1993 Jacksonville 1994 Florida I.T. 1995 Florida I.T. 1996 Minnesota 1997 Minnesota 1998 Minnesota 1999 Dowling 2000 Bowdoin 2001 Bowdoin 2002 Minnesota 2003 Grand Valley 2004 Georgia U. 2005 Dowling 2006 U. Cal Long Beach 2007 Dowling 2008 St. Thomas 2009 Dowling 2010 Grand Valley 2011 Georgia Tech 2012 Western Ontario 2013 Florida I.T. 2014 Colgate U. 2015 Brock U. 2016 Georgia Tech 2017 Georgia Tech 2018 Lafayette 2019 Oklahoma City 2020 Pandemic Cancellation 2021 Oklahoma City 2022 Florida I.T. Women's Varsity HEAVYWEIGHT FOUR 1979 Central Florida 1980 West Virginia 1981 Wichita State 1982 Florida I.T. 1983 Simmons 1984 U.S. Coast Guard 1985 U.S. Coast Guard 1986 U.S. Coast Guard 1987 U.S. Coast Guard 1988 Kansas 1989 Central Florida 1990 George Washington 1991 McGill 1992 Western Ontario 1993 Vassar 1994 Western Ontario 1995 Minnesota 1996 Western Ontario 1997 Fordham 1998 Fordham 1999 Fordham 2000 Robert Morris 2001 Western Virginia 2002 Dowling 2003 Bowdoin 2004 Dowling 2005 Bowdoin 2006 Penn State 2007 San Diego 2008 Jacksonville 2009 Cal-Irvine 2010 Western Ontario 2011 Villanova 2012 Drake 2013 Western Ontario 2014 Bowdoin 2015 U. Massachusetts 2016 U. Massachusetts 2017 Lafayette 2018 Florida Tech 2019 Boston U. 2020 Pandemic Cancellation 2021 Princeton A 2022 Wisconsin Women's Varsity HEAVYWEIGHT 4 DIV II & III 2012 Nova Southeastern 2013 Bowdoin 2014 Humboldt 2015 Barry U. 2016 Barry U. 2017 Humboldt 2018 Barry U. 2019 Florida Tech 2020 Pandemic Cancellation 2021 Mercyhurst 2022 Embry Riddle
By: Christa Musial John A. SEITZ AWARD John Bancheri’s first experience at the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta came as a spectator thanks to Jack Strotbeck, Sr. who brought Bancheri with him to watch his son, John row for Marietta College. “It was an awesome experience, said Bancheri. “I hoped someday I would be a part of the event.” For nearly 30 years, Bancheri got to live out his wish and soon became a fixture at the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta. Typically donning his traditional Hawaiian shirt, Bancheri could typically be found near the Kelly Statue as you approach the finish line shouting words of encouragement at his team while watching the race through a pair of binoculars to try and get a closer look to see if his team would medal. With coaching stops at the University of Charleston (1984 - 1987); Wichita State (1987 - 1994); Marietta College (1994-2005); Grand Valley State (2005-2019) and finally at Stockton University (20192022) Bancheri embraced the value of the Dad Vail bringing a fledgling program to an event that would allow his crews to build confidence and achieve much success each May. John BANCHERI Coach of The Year - Coach John Bancheri: A Pioneer for Women’s Rowing Matt LEDWITH AWARD HERI Matt By Ed Levin
For his success, the Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee (DVROC), organizers of the prestigious Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta, most recently presented by Independence Blue Cross, Coca-Cola and PECO are pleased to award John Bancheri with the Matt Ledwith Award (Coach of the Year). “Any recognition by my colleagues is special,” said Bancheri, in a recent interview regarding this award. “The consideration alone is a great honor for me and everyone on my coaching tree. As you know the Dad Vail is a storied regatta. To be part of the story means a lot to all of us involved in the sport.” At Marietta, his teams captured the Bronze Medal in the Men’s Varsity Heavyweight Eight in 1998, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005. In 2002 his Men’s JV Heavyweight Eight took home the gold medal while his Men’s Frosh Heavyweight Eight captured gold in 1999, 2001, 2002 and 2004. At Grand Valley State, Bancheri watched his crew capture the Women’s Heavyweight Eight in 2009 and 2013 while also taking home the Jack & Nancy Seitz Trophy (Women’s Total Point Champions). He also coached the men's team to Varsity Four and JV Eight gold medals. Along with a string of finalists in the Men's Varsity Eight. Bancheri would come home to finish his coaching career landing at Stockton University in 2019 where he helped lead the Osprey women to success including the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta. At the Vail, Stockton would earn bronze in the Women’s DII Varsity Heavyweight Eight in 2019 before returning in 2021 to win gold in the same event. The event was not held in 2020 due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. Bancheri would retire at the end of the 2022 season and conclude his storied career where it began almost three decades earlier in his hometown of Atlantic City, New Jersey. Award History The Matt Ledwith Award is presented annually to a Dad Vail 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. PAST AWARD WINNERS 1994 - Ralph Lindamood - Marietta 1995 - Tom Delany - Manhattan 1996 - Gavin White - Temple 1997 - Dennis Kamrad - Central FL 1998 - Bob Spousta - George Mason 1999 - Ted Bonnano - Fordham 2000 - Robert Espeseth - UT/Chattanoga 2001 - Jill Cooper - Minnesota U 2002 - John Bancheri - Marietta VG-V’ 2003 - Dave Kucik - Purdue 2004 - Rick Smith - NY Maritime 2005 - Casey Baker - Florida Tech 2006 - Chuck Crawford - U Delaware 2007 - Jennifer Sanford - U Conn 2008 - Gil Birney - Bowdin 2009 - Steve Perry - Johns Hopkins 2010 - Rob Canavan - Georgia Tech 2011 - Charlie DiSilvestro - Drake U 2012 - Gerry Quinlin - St. Joseph’s 2013 - Greg Hartsuff - U of Michigan 2014 - Dr. Gavin R. White - Temple 2015 - Paul Savell - Drexel 2016 - Jim Dietz - UMASS 2017 - Frank Biller - University of Virginia 2018 - Dr. Eugena Kiesling - United States Military Academy at West Point 2019 - Steven Kish - Bucknell 2022 - Brian Perkins - Temple
When one goes to the website to find results or when a particular race is scheduled, they tend not think about the hard work and attention to detail that was needed to make sure the information they are looking for is precise so they do not miss that special moment. For the past 32 years, Deb Cornatzer has played a vital role in that process dating back to when this information had to be entered by hand and needed to be completed weeks prior to the event to ushering in an agile and flexible model that allows crews great flexibility as they decide their entries. “Many crews will never know the magic Deb made happen to make something work for them,” said Kevin Backe, Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee board member. Cornatzer had just started rowing out of PGRC in 1992 when she was approached by Kate Godwin who asked if she would be interested in volunteering. Kate asked, “Do you have a pair of white pants,” said Cornatzer, who is a Cold War Air Force Veteran “I told her I did and that is basically how it started.” Positioned at #4 Boathouse Row, Cornatzer had to sit and wait for results to be faxed over so they could then create updated heat sheets. Cornatzer would do this for eight years until they were re-positioned to a tent by the finish line where they reside today. Leading up to the Regatta, Cornatzer plays a key role in helping to build the schedule that families, friends and former coaches and teammates can access to watch the races. While most people might think her works stops once the regatta starts, you might want to think again as her world will go from calm to crazy. While the command tent on race days can get hectic with questions coming from all directions, Cornatzer is in the middle of the action providing all the answers along with some lighthearted commentary to put everyone at ease while completing her responsibilities at the same time. For her hard work and dedication leading up to the regatta along with the precise detail in ensuring the correct information is entered on race day, Deb Cornatzer is being honored as this year’s recipient of the John A. Seitz Award. Deb CORNATZER Deb Cornatzer: A key to the behind-the-scenes success! John A. SEITZ AWARD .
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