Colgate Prepares to defend Men’s Varity Heavyweight Eight Crown

Contact:
Ed Levin
Publicity Director
Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta
levins51@verizon.net

As excitement spilled over with the Colgate Men’s Varsity Heavyweight Eight team crossing the finish line first at the 2019 Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta, the Raiders commenced celebrating their first victory in the main event at the most prestigious collegiate regatta throughout the United States and Canada.

“Winning the Gold Medal in the Heavyweight Varsity Eight event showed us anything is possible if you work hard and have discipline,” said Colgate head coach Khaled Sanad. “It was not our first gold exactly. We have won in the small boats and fours, numerous times, but it was our first time with a Gold in the Men’s 8. Since we are a smaller team the 8+ has not consistently been a focus simply because we lack the depth. Getting a bronze in the 8 in 2018 and then Gold in 2019 showed us that we could be competitive in the 8+ even with a squad of only 12. We felt a bit like David and Goliath going up against guys who were bigger and faster, on paper at least. Hard work and discipline pays off.”

With the weather starting to break and Colgate’s anticipation growing around entering the 2020 Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta as the defending champions, everything came to halt with the news the Regatta would have to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There was a lot of anticipation leading into Spring 2020,” Sanad said. “The three seniors (Luke Smith and Alex Damjanovic along with our coxswain Miranda Tompkins) who were to defend their 2019 victory never got the chance to compete their final spring. We will not only race for ourselves but also to honor their legacy.”

Fast forward nine months! With schools allowed to plan their 2021 spring schedule, Colgate circled the second week of May on their calendar hoping they would finally have a chance to defend their title they earned back in 2019.

Colgate quickly made their plans to attend once the announcement was made the 2021 Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta, presented by Independence Blue Cross, Coca Cola and PECO would be staged on Saturday, May 8 on the historic Schuylkill River with races starting at 9 am.

Sanad added, “The University did an amazing job at making sure we were able to get on the water in the Fall. For months we did not have a case of covid on campus, or very few. Even now as we face a small uptick in cases, they are doing everything they can to protect our competing teams from going on a pause. Keeping the focus on being able to race and being together where other schools were not as lucky and giving thanks for that is the most important thing. Doing well at the race will have made all the sacrifices worth it.”

“It means so much to be back on the water and racing after so much time away,” said senior coxswain Tali Filstein, who was the coxswain in the 2019 boat. “We’ve all been working so hard for such a long time with the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta foremost on our minds. Even with a present goal, intense training like that can be difficult, but it requires a whole new level of resiliency to be able to practice at this intensity with the goal being so distant and, because of the fluctuations and uncertainty in the COVID situation.”

With limited preparation time, Colgate has started their spring season in fine fashion losing a tight Varsity Eight race to Holy Cross before bouncing back to defeat Marietta. With two races left before they head to Philadelphia, Sanad hopes to keep improving each day.

“Now that we’re back in racing season with Dad Vails fast approaching, it’s a huge relief to have that motivation be even stronger,” Filstein said. “Even beyond that, we’re all a part of this sport because we love to race. There’s nothing quite like the adrenaline rush of sitting at the line of a race that you’ve been training for and thinking about for so long. We’re so excited to be back in it and can’t wait to see how all of our hard work will pay off.”

South Jersey Native John Bancheri called upon To help build Stockton University rowing program

Contact:
Ed Levin
Publicity Director
Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta
levins51@verizon.net

 

About 750 meters into the Women’s Division III Varsity Eight race at the 2019 Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta when newly hired Stockton University coach John Bancheri looked through his binoculars while standing by the Kelly Statue and realized his team was in the lead but barely!

Decked out in his traditional Hawaiian shirt, Bancheri hoped his young squad would earn the first victory in school history at the storied Dad Vail Regatta.

The Ospreys would eventually hold on to claim third place and earn their first-ever medal at the most prestigious collegiate only regatta in the country.

“When you looked at their smiles, you’d have thought they’d won the Olympics, not a bronze medal in a DIII race,” Bancheri said. “But for them, it was the Olympics. I was so proud of them.”

Senior co-captain Emily Culmone said, “Earning a Bronze Medal at the 2019 Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta is my favorite memory throughout my rowing career so far. We were a small team, my boat didn’t medal at our conference championship, and we had been right in the middle of the pack all season. We went to Dad Vails just hoping to improve upon our previous performances. It wasn’t until we reached around 750 meters into the race when our coxswain said, “I don’t know what you’re doing, but keep doing it, you’re in first.” That’s when we realized we were in position to medal. We were racing several amazingly competitive  teams and even though we finished in third place, I remember the pure joy that was immediately shared by the entire boat. Sharing that moment in Stockton Rowing history with my boat and seeing the smiles on the faces of friends, families and coaches is a feeling I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”

Fellow co-captain Michaela Pope added, “Medaling at 2019 Dad Vails was something that I will remember for the rest of my life. It was a dream of mine in high school to row at Dad Vails and I never thought I would get the chance. To be able to row and medal my first-time rowing in the Regatta was surreal. Crossing that finish line and realizing what we just did was incredible. I still get goosebumps thinking about it. We looked over to the riverbank and saw our men’s team and all the coaches going crazy for us. Most importantly, I found my parents in the crowd and saw tears of pride streaming from in their eyes  and saw how proud they were of me. They’ve always supported me in rowing and a big part of me won that medal for them. Our goal is to do better this year, but I don’t think any medal will ever mean as much to me as that 2019 Dad Vail Bronze Medal.”

For years not only did Stockton University dream of medaling at Dad Vail, but they also had to come up with innovative ways to grow the program. Wanting to raise the level of student-athlete participation, the administration knew exactly who they wanted as their next head coach.

Being a South Jersey native and someone who has built many programs throughout his career including West Virginia University, University of Charleston, Wichita State, Marietta College and most recently Grand Valley State University, the school knew Bancheri was the right person for the job.

“With the team being given the opportunity to sit in on interviews during the coaching search,  I specifically remember Coach B (Bancheri) talking about the growth of the rowing program at Stockton,” said senior Olivia Hurley. “At that time, we had about 9-10 girls give or take. He said he wanted to have two eights at practice so that we could race and compete against each other. The possibility of that happening seemed so far-fetched. Two and half years later, we have enough girls for three boats. The expansion of our program was a major talking point in Coach B’s interview, and he has certainly helped this program flourish whether that be in funding, team size, or equipment.”

“When I came home to South Jersey to take over as head coach of the rowing program in January of 2019, it really was the opportunity of my career to build a program from the ground up,” Bancheri said. “Stockton was primed: it has the geography with the Intercoastal Waterway, one of the most beautiful places to row in the country. And it has a president, Harvey Kesselman and Athletic Director, Kevin McHugh, committed to building a program of national distinction.  Stockton had recently opened a campus in Atlantic City, and this was an opportunity to build on a South Jersey tradition and showcase Stockton University.”

After being forced to take a year-off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Osprey are looking forward to taking flight at the 2021 Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta, which is being staged on Saturday May 8 starting at 9 am on the historic Schuylkill River in Philadelphia and hopefully take home their second consecutive Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta medal.

 

 

DAD VAIL REGATTA ORGANIZING COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES EXTENDED REGISTRATION FOR 82ND ANNUAL JEFFERSON DAD VAIL REGATTA

Contact:
Ed Levin
Publicity Director
Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta
levins51@verizon.net

The Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee is pleased to stage the 82nd Annual Dad Vail Regatta – Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta – on Saturday, May 8, 2021 with racing beginning at 9:00 AM!

Registration has been extended until April 26th.

The 2021 Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta will be a 1-day event.  Teams located close enough to manage a one-day round trip, who might be precluded from an overnight stay now can race!   The start of the first race has been delayed until 9:00 AM, 2 hours later than usual, to permit teams a little more time on race day to travel to the Schuylkill River National Race Course.  Registration has been extended until April 26th, so there is still time to sign up however events are now capped at 18 entries. At this writing, the most numerous entries by school are from Fordham, Drexel, Temple, Lafayette, and Princeton.

No Spectators

Although the event will be closed to spectators, the Regatta will be live streamed and moderated as in the past by Bill Jurgens and Brad Negaard, two Dad Vail mainstays. In addition to the no spectator rule which will be strictly enforced, there will be no vendors to serve the public.  The DVROC Board has worked relentlessly just to permit boats to race!

Dad Vail Health Plan

The City of Philadelphia has accepted the Jefferson Dad Vail Health Plan and is in the process of issuing the customary Permits to stage the Regatta. In keeping with the Dad Vail Health Plan, all teams must designate a Health Officer, abide by a strict testing to participate, and fully comply to maintain racing eligibility. The full Health Plan is posted on Dadvail.org.

Baptiste, Dougherty, Mahmud Named to DVROC Board of Directors

For Immediate Release

Contact:
Ed Levin
Publicity Director
Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta
levins51@verizon.net

 

PHILADELPHIA – The Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee announced today that La Salle University Director of Athletics Brian Baptiste, Temple University Senior Associate Athletics Director Larry Dougherty and Drexel University Associate Head Coach of Rowing Asiya Mahmud have been named to its Board of Directors.

“We are excited to add these three high quality individuals to our Board of Directors,” said DVROC President Jim Hanna. “Brian and Larry are veteran administrators who bring a wealth of experience and love for the sport of rowing to the Board while Asiya brings a unique and much-needed perspective as she was a Dad Vail Regatta gold medal winner, rowing for Drexel, and has successfully coached more than one Dad Vail championship crews.”

Brian Baptiste

Baptiste, who is in his second year leading the La Salle athletics department, has served in various roles of administration over his 12-year career in intercollegiate athletics.  Upon earning his law degree from St. Thomas University in Miami (2008), Baptiste went into the field of compliance working at Georgetown University (2009-10) and the University of Delaware (2010-13) before moving on to Northwestern University in 2013.

At Northwestern, the Cheverly Md. native spent two years as the Wildcats Associate Director of Compliance before being elevated to Deputy Director of Athletics for Capital Projects and Operations in 2015.  In this role, he led successful efforts for the completion of multiple athletics facilities, including the $270 million Ryan Fieldhouse, Wilson Field and Walter Athletics Center.  The 2005 Towson University graduate also worked closely with Learfield IMG to secure lucrative corporate sponsorship agreements during his time at Northwestern.

“I am humbled and honored to represent La Salle University on the Board of Directors of the pre-eminent regatta on the Schuylkill River,” Baptiste said. “Throughout my career, I have known the significance of the Dad Vail Regatta. In speaking with former Explorers over the past year, their stories reinforced just how important an event it is to the collegiate rowing experience. Philadelphia is the best city in the country for the sport, and I can’t wait to be a part of an historic organization.”

 

Larry Dougherty

One of the top communications professionals in college athletics, Dougherty has worked the past 32 plus years in the Philadelphia area promoting and publicizing student-athletes at both Temple University (2003-) and Saint Joseph’s University (1988-03).  Besides his primary role leading the Owls’ strategic communications department, the Upper Darby, Pa. native has also served as Temple’s varsity sport administrator for men’s crew and women’s rowing for the past six years.

Dougherty, who earned both his bachelor’s (1982) and master’s (1995) degrees from Saint Joseph’s, is a Past President of the College Sports Information Directors of America (2011) and has served on the ECAC-SIDA Board of Directors (2006-08).  He also was instrumental in creating Philly-SIDA in 2003, an organization of Philadelphia area communications professionals that have honored over 1000 student-athletes from all collegiate levels for academic and athletic success.

“This is truly an incredible honor to be asked to join such a prestigious Board dedicated to continuing one of Philadelphia’s greatest events – the Dad Vail Regatta,” said Dougherty.  “I have enjoyed being a part of the Dad Vail Regatta as an administrator for the past four decades, helping promote Saint Joseph’s and Temple rowers.  I look forward to working with my fellow Board members to continue the incredible success of the premier collegiate rowing championship in the United States.”

Asiya Mahmud

Mahmud, a 2012 Drexel University graduate, is in her sixth season on the rowing staff of her alma mater.  The Mays Landing, N.J. native was elevated this September to the position of associate head coach and in her new role continues direct coaching responsibilities while also assuming an increased role in Drexel Rowing’s operations and fundraising initiatives.

Following her undergraduate rowing career where she won gold at the Dad Vail Regatta, Mahmud served one season (2014-15) as an assistant coach at Bucknell University. In her return to Drexel, she helped lead the Dragons to gold medals in the varsity (2017) and second varsity (2018) eights.  Drexel also captured its first Dad Vail Regatta women’s title in 2017.

“After working with the Dad Vail Solidarity Committee this summer, I am humbled to be elected as a member of the board,” said Mahmud. “It is a privilege to serve with the organization having competed and coached in the Regatta. I’m excited to be on the board and to further the goals and mission of the Regatta.”

Baptiste, Dougherty and Mahmud will begin their three-year terms on the DVROC Board of Directors in January 2021.

 

Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee Announces Winners of 18th annual Art Poster Contest

For Immediate Release

Contact:
Ed Levin
Publicity Director
Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta
levins51@verizon.net

 

18th Annual Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta Art Poster Contest Winners announced

 Philadelphia, Pa (December 1, 2020) – The Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee (DVROC), organizers of the prestigious Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta, presented by Independence Blue Cross, Coca-Cola and PECO are pleased to announce the winners of the 18th Annual Dad Vail Regatta Art Poster Contest staged last spring for budding young artists attending Philadelphia area public, private and parochial schools.

Customarily judged in connection with the Springtime Regatta, which was cancelled due to the coronavirus, the year 2020 Dad Vail Regatta Art Poster Contest will forever be remembered due to the unique challenges the students faced that took hold of the country last spring. Locked school buildings, lack of art supplies, inability to access partially completed art projects and the absence of instruction never deterred certain highly motivated high school artists to work remotely over the summer to complete their entries, inspired by extensions granted by the Dad Vail Regatta.  Judging of the contest and the announcement of the winners was delayed until the fall to permit extra time for the artists, due to the pandemic.

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney agreed to a special delayed ceremony at the Schuylkill River National Racecourse Finish Line to recognize the winners and present their awards.  However, even that ceremony had to be canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions in Philadelphia County.

Jim Hanna, President of the Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee said, “The Dad Vail Regatta is far more than a regatta, persisting in offering students the opportunity to be recognized for their artistic ability and to be rewarded for their distinguished achievements by way of our 18th annual Art Poster Contest.” He extended a special expression of gratitude to Sister Lauretta Linsalata, IHM,  of Archbishop Ryan High School, and to Deb Klose of the Philadelphia Public School System for their support and assistance in overcoming the adversities of Covid-19 in staging this competition.”

The contest, which challenges Philadelphia area high school students to best depict the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta, North Americas largest and best-known collegiate regatta, has five categories of prizes; Grand Prize, First Place, Second Place, Third Place and Honorable Mention.

Members of the Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee, The School District of Philadelphia and the Office of Catholic Education. Among the judges field this year was Kathy Halton, who has her master’s degree in Fine Arts.

The Winners of the 2020 Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta Art Poster Contest are:

Grand Prize
Abigail Woods First Place
Timothy Schulth Second Place
Meghan Montoya Third Place
Olivia Liebsch Honorable Mention
Bridget Coyle
Callista Gartland
Olivia Gribley
Anna Grindrod
Kyle LaBarr
Jimmy Xu

 

About Jefferson (Philadelphia University + Thomas Jefferson University)

Jefferson (Philadelphia University + Thomas Jefferson University) is a leader in transdisciplinary, experiential professional education. Jefferson, home of the Sidney Kimmel Medical College and the Kanbar College of Design, Engineering and Commerce, is now a comprehensive university delivering high-impact education in 160 undergraduate and graduate programs to 7,800 students in architecture, business, design, engineering, fashion, health, medicine, science and textiles. The new Jefferson is reimaging the higher education value proposition with an approach that is collaborative and active; increasingly global; integrated with industry; focused on research across disciplines to foster innovation and discovery; and technology-enhanced. Student-athletes compete as the Jefferson Rams in the NCAA Division II Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference.

 

Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee Board Member Desron Dorsett Recognized by Philadelphia Business Journal

Contact:
Ed Levin
Publicity Director
Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta
levins51@verizon.net

Philadelphia, PA – Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee (DVROC) Board Member Desron Dorsett was recently recognized by the Philadelphia Business Journal as one of their 2020 Minority Business Leaders.

Dorsett, Vice President of Business Development for the Philadelphia 76ers, was honored in a virtual ceremony hosted by the Philadelphia Business Journal in September for his entrepreneurial drive, creativity and success.

“I’m honored, but more so humbled to be recognized as a 2020 Philadelphia Business Journal Minority Business Leader,” said Dorsett. “As I strive to create a legacy for the people that follow me, the City of Philadelphia has offered tremendous opportunity for me to lead by making an impact within the community.”

Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee President Jim Hanna said, “On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee, I commend Desron Dorsett for the distinguished work he has performed culminating in being named a 2020 Minority Business Leader recognition which Desron, in his service to the Dad Vail Regatta,  has unequivocally earned and highly deserves.”

The 82nd annual Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta will be staged on Friday, May 7 and Saturday, May 8, 2021.

Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee Appoint Dr. Joe Murphy and Lou McCormick To Dad Vail Regatta Board

Contact:
Ed Levin
Publicity Director
Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta
levins51@verizon.net

Philadelphia, PA – The Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee (DVROC) is pleased to announce the election of Dr. Joe Murphy and Lou McCormick III to the Dad Vail Regatta Board of Directors. Their elevation to the Board came at the annual Dad Vail Regatta Board of Directors Elections’ meeting earlier this summer.

“It is a pleasure to welcome Lou McCormick and Dr. Joseph Murphy to the Board of Directors of The Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee,” said Jim Hanna, President of the Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee. “Their talents and skills will complement the Board’s quest to craft solutions in the face of today’s challenges.”

“I am extremely humbled to be on the board,” Murphy said. “To continue the legacy and give something back is a great privilege.”

“It’s such an honor to be part of the board,” said McCormick III, whose family has been involved with regatta for more than 25 years. “I am looking forward to giving back to an organization that has done so much for myself and my family.”

Murphy attended Georgetown University and rowed in the Dad Vail all four years winning bronze his freshman year as a member of the Freshman Eight boat.

Prior to Georgetown, Murphy rowed at St. Joseph’s Prep with fellow board member Kevin Backe rowing the JV 4 and Varsity 4 junior and senior year, respectively. While at The Prep, Murphy was a Scholastic National Champion; a Stotesbury Regatta Champion and participated in the Henley Regatta.

McCormick III has a rich rowing history dating back to his time at LaSalle College High School and Temple University. At LaSalle, McCormick III stroked the freshman eight, stroked the JV 8 as a sophomore. In his junior and senior year McCormick was named captain and stroked the Varsity 8 boat.

At Temple, McCormick stroked the Freshman 8, JV 8 and rowed bow in the varsity eight winning a Dad Vail gold medal in each event. In total McCormick captured four Dad Vail Gold Medals.

McCormick III has volunteered in the Finish Line Tower for the past 26 years.

 

 

 

 

Gratitude II – Early Saturday Morning, May 9, 2020!

Year 2020, Jefferson Dad Vail contenders for the Gold! — would it be Colgate again, or Drexel, Temple, Purdue, St. Joe’s, or even crews returning from a several year hiatuses such as FIT and Georgetown? Would Saturday afternoon’s women’s final include Boston, Drexel, Georgetown, Bucknell and Temple?

Friday afternoon’s light rain had settled the Schuylkill River providing ideal racing conditions, however just imagine, at the Friday Night Recognition Reception, everyone’s rain gear being piled up on chairs and the warmth of  Winnie’s buffet line food providing welcome respite, as laughter and chatter from the camaraderie subsides, and the fifty-year Anniversary Crew from Saint Joe’s take the podium, followed by the 25th Anniversary Crew women from University of Michigan and the Temple men.  This year’s Matt Ledwith Award and Jack Seitz Award winners would have been announced by Kirsten Morasco as would ten-year volunteers to be clad for the first time in their coveted Dad Vail Gold Jackets.

When I woke at 4:30 this morning and and stepped outside to double check the 34-degree temperature and to note the clear skies, the Florida crews immediately came to mind as enjoying a tantalizing surprise, a snap change in weather!

It was but a wish, to once more to be arriving right now at the Strawberry Mansion Bridge detour, in the dark, lining up behind the enormous West Point transport bus with diesel engines purring, seeing the piercing, flashing red lights from one of Philadelphia’s finest parked sideways, but receiving assurances from Ed Holland, that there was a steady stream of Regatta traffic already arriving to stage and officiate during today’s racing.

A heartfelt thank you from the Board of Directors, for  all for your dedicated service and for all of the time you invested in preparation for the 2020 Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta, and until we meet again, Godspeed.

Never row,

Jim Hanna
President
Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee

Gratitude

“Ready All.”  “Row!” would have been heard over thirty-five times by now, beginning at 7:00 AM, this morning, right on schedule, starting with pair racing at the 82nd Annual Dad Vail Regatta.  Dad Vail Coaches, on fifteen speed bikes, with stroke watches in hand, would be excitingly and nervously jockeying for position up at the starting line, on the bike path and some Gold Jacketed Officials would be huddled quietly around John Musial, Chief Referee, who would be inspecting starting line procedures, cigar in hand.

Dress apparel, conditioned by a weather forecast predicting rain all day would have called for a slicker and extra layers, and an extra set of dry socks, but the camaraderie of your colleague volunteers, and annual reunions of rowers past and reconnecting even with current Board members who traveled from the far reaches of the USA would have provided all of the social warmth one might expect!

Picture golf cart traffic ducking around slowing moving autos on Kelly Drive, maneuvering occasionally around a late arriving trailer fully loaded with sixty-foot eights. Imagine the cooler breeze preceding the rain and visualize the 120 feet of new Poralu dock undulating off the seawall at Rowers’ Village, getting an extra kick from a overly ambitious launch driver, and the beehive of activity as athletes juggle oars and sneakers while shedding sweats tossed to coaches, as each rower responds to the coxswains command and places “ one foot in.”

Today, I tip my hat to all of you, on behalf of our entire Board of Directors,  for your past service, which has given rise to my own treasured memories of past Dad Vail Regattas, and thought it altogether appropriate to reach out to you this morning, on a day which would otherwise be spent right beside, or out upon, our beloved Schuylkill River to say thank you for the memories.

Never Row,

Jim Hanna
President
Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee