Category: 2022 News Releases

For Immediate Release

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

 

Philadelphia, PA  – In preparation of the 83^rd  annual Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta,  the Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee (DVROC) is pleased to announce the return of its Dad Vail Regatta mobile app.

The Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta, presented by Independence Blue Cross, Coca-Cola and PECO will be held on Friday, May 13 and Saturday, May 14 with races beginning at 7:00 am on Friday morning continuing throughout the day on Saturday concluding around 5:00 pm.

The Dad Vail Regatta App will be available on both IOS and Android devices. For Apple IOS users, the app can be found in the app store under Dad Vail Regatta.  For Andriod users, the app can be found in the Google Play Store by searching Dad Vail Regatta.

The mobile app allows you to access daily schedules, heat sheets, weather updates, race results and regatta information.

For those who do not have access through the mobile app, please log onto www.dadvail.org to access schedules, heat sheets, race results, weather updates and other pertinent regatta information.

 

About Thomas Jefferson University

Thomas Jefferson University is a leader in transdisciplinary, professional education. Jefferson, home of the Sidney Kimmel Medical College and the Kanbar College of Design, Engineering and Commerce, is a preeminent university delivering high-impact education in 160 undergraduate and graduate programs to 8,400 students in architecture, business, design, engineering, fashion and textiles, health, medicine, science and social science. Jefferson is re-defining 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.

 

 

For Immediate Release

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

Newly formed Solidarity Committee announces Internship Program for Minority College Aged Students

Philadelphia, PA – 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 our inaugural internship program for minority college aged students.

The Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta will be held on the historic Schuylkill River on Friday, May 13 and Saturday, May 14.

The ultimate goal of the Solidarity Committee is to create opportunities for underrepresented Athletes in the sport of rowing. A recent survey conducted by US Rowing showed that just 13.75% of rowers across all levels are people of color. Without deliberate and thoughtful action from the rowing community, these numbers will not improve, and the many benefits and opportunities provided by the sport of rowing will remain inaccessible to those who could benefit the most.

In recognition of this data, the Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee formed the Solidarity community to work on making the sport of rowing and the Dad Vail Regatta more inclusive and representative of the communities along the banks of the Schuylkill that we call home.

As part of this effort, the Solidarity Committee is sponsoring a paid-internship program designed to provide students of color from Philadelphia with an opportunity to experience event planning, sport management and other athletic department related tasks. We recognize that pursuing a passion for athletics comes in many forms and want to ensure that every aspect of the sport of rowing is reflective of our communities.

Bill Jurgens, interim chair of the Solidarity Committee, had this to say about the Internship Program, “We are excited about getting this internship program underway. An internship program is considered one of the top ways for a student to learn work skills and experience on-site learning that will benefit them in their career development. Providing this program to minorities is especially gratifying given our purpose to promote social justice and expand opportunities for inclusion in the workplace.”

For more information regarding the Internship program please email Bill Jurgens, Interim Chair of the Solidarity Committee at bjurgens@fit.edu.

About Thomas Jefferson University

Thomas Jefferson University is a leader in transdisciplinary, professional education. Jefferson, home of the Sidney Kimmel Medical College and the Kanbar College of Design, Engineering and Commerce, is a preeminent university delivering high-impact education in 160 undergraduate and graduate programs to 8,400 students in architecture, business, design, engineering, fashion and textiles, health, medicine, science and social science. Jefferson is re-defining 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.

 

For Immediate Release

Contact:
Ed Levin
Publicity Director
Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta
levins51@verizon.net
610-246-5902

Annual Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta Art Poster Contest Winners to Be Announced and Grants to City’s Summer Rowing Programs.

Philadelphia, PA – 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 20th Annual Dad Vail Regatta Art Poster Contest staged this spring for budding young artists attending Philadelphia area private and parochial schools.

The 83^rd annual Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta will be held on Friday, May 13 and Saturday, May 14 on the historic Schuylkill River.

Jim Hanna, President of the Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee said, “The Jefferson 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 20^th annual Art Poster Contest.”

Hanna added, “I wish to extend a special expression of appreciation to Sister Lauretta Linsalata, IHM, of Archbishop Ryan High School for their support and assistance in putting together this contest for budding young artists.”

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney and Jim Hanna, President of the Dad Vail Organizing Committee will announce the cash awards at a press conference on Friday May 13 at 9 AM. amidst the opening races of the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta. Additionally, Dad Vail will continue to be a benefactor for both Philadelphia City Rowing and the Lloyd Hall Advisory Council Summer Rowing Program, continuing an over twenty-year history in support of empowering under-resourced Philadelphia City public school students to reach their highest potential through rowing.

The contest, which challenges Philadelphia area high school students to best depict the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta, North America’s 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 and the Office of Catholic Education comprised the judging committee.

The Winners of the 2022 Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta Art Poster Contest are:

Grand Prize

Justin Chen – Archbishop Ryan

 

First Place

Cailey McCloskey – Archbishop Ryan

 

Second Place

Reese Gettes – Archbishop Ryan

 

Third Place

Anna Leonard – Archbishop Wood

 

Honorable Mention

Mairead McDermott – Archbishop Wood

Leah Baker – Bishop Shanahan

Natalie Cheng – Archbishop Ryan

Ava Cuelers/Thi Nguyen – Bishop Shanahan (Combined)

Diana Kahn – St. Hubert

Carly Marquess – Archbishop Ryan

 

About Thomas Jefferson University

Thomas Jefferson University is a leader in transdisciplinary, professional education. Jefferson, home of the Sidney Kimmel Medical College and the Kanbar College of Design, Engineering and Commerce, is a preeminent university delivering high-impact education in 160 undergraduate and graduate programs to 8,400 students in architecture, business, design, engineering, fashion and textiles, health, medicine, science and social science. Jefferson is re-defining 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.

For Immediate Release

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

25^th and 50^th Anniversary Crews for three successive years to be honored at Friday night reception

Philadelphia – 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 perpetuate a time -honored, unique Dad Vail Regatta tradition; recognizing the anniversary crews who triumphed by winning their Varsity Heavyweight Eight event 25 years ago and 50 years ago! This year is different by reason of the fact that a total of nine different championship anniversary crews will be honored on Friday night, May 13, 2022, at the conclusion of the first day of racing.

Typically, only one men’s crew and one women’s crew would be recognized for their victory 25 and 50 years ago at the Friday night reception. However, due to the pandemic, awards ceremonies for the past two years had to be postponed. Accordingly, the Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee will honor the 25^th Anniversary men’s and women’s crews who won back in years 1995, 1996 and 1997 along with the 50^th Anniversary men’s crews who triumphed back in years 1970, 1971 and 1972.

25^th Anniversary Men’s crews hail from Temple University, who captured the event in 1995, 1996 and 1997. Women’s 25^th Anniversary crews include University of Michigan (1995), Temple University (1996,) and Western Ontario (1997).  Men’s 50^th Anniversary crews to be honored include Saint Joseph’s University (1970); Georgetown University (1971) and United States Coast Guard Academy (1972).

“Bringing back crews for whom winning a Dad Vail Gold Medal has been a life-defining experience serves as just one more reminder that rowing can be a metaphor for life – hard work pays off. Always a highlight of the Regatta, our ceremony will be especially poignant this year” said Jim Hanna, President of the Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee. “For the past two years we have been unable to recognize these crews for their wonderful accomplishment due to the ongoing pandemic. Having the ability to celebrate in person and honor these deserving crews is a privilege for Dad Vail.”

The 83^rd annual Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta will be held on Friday, May 13 and Saturday, May 14 on the historic Schuylkill River.

 

About Thomas Jefferson University

Thomas Jefferson University is a leader in transdisciplinary, professional education. Jefferson, home of the Sidney Kimmel Medical College and the Kanbar College of Design, Engineering and Commerce, is a preeminent university delivering high-impact education in 160 undergraduate and graduate programs to 8,400 students in architecture, business, design, engineering, fashion and textiles, health, medicine, science and social science. Jefferson is re-defining 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.

 

Contact:
Ed Levin
Publicity Director
610-246-5902
levins51@verizon.net

Philadelphia, PA – The Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee, host of the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta, presented by Independence Blue Cross, Coca-Cola and PECO is pleased to announce a new partnership with Five Tribes Cinema Productions to provide live streaming coverage of the races beginning on Friday, May 13 at 7:00 am continuing through the conclusion of racing on Saturday May 14.

To follow all the action, go to www.dadvail.org and click on the live stream link.

“The Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee is pleased to welcome Five Tribes Cinema Productions. Their rowing background accompanied by their experience in the production field will give collegiate rowers competing in the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta the benefit of worldwide coverage through live streaming to family, friends, and rowing fans,” said Jim Hanna, President of the Dad Vail Organizing Committee.

“Five Tribes Cinema Productions is honored to be given the opportunity to broadcast the 2022 Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta,” said Colin Stewart, CEO of Five Tribes Cinema Productions. “Our production team aims to match the regatta’s high standard for racing with the best coverage and technologies available. As a two-time Dad Vail Champion, I know how much this race means to the athletes and the Philadelphia Rowing Community. My interest in rowing at Drexel started in 2013 when my high school rowing team watched the Dad Vail finals on TV. Seeing the emotions and excitement of the winning athletes, I knew I wanted to race at the Dad Vail. It has been a dream of mine to bring that quality of coverage back to such a deserving regatta and hopefully showcase the magic of the Regatta to a high schooler just like me, and maybe make them dream of a day of standing on that podium, too.”

There will be five land-based cameras positioned along the course from start to finish. At least one drone will be provided for ariel coverage of every race and select races will have two drones.  Accomplished rower and Dad Vail Board Member Brad Negaard along with Casey Baker, a former rowing coach at Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) and current President of the Southern Interscholastic Rowing Association (SIRA) will handle the announcing and commentary throughout both days of live stream coverage.

The 83^rd annual Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta will be held on Friday, May 13 and Saturday May 14 will feature over 2,500 student-athletes from more than 100 colleges and universities throughout the United States and Canada.

About Thomas Jefferson University

Thomas Jefferson University is a leader in transdisciplinary, professional education. Jefferson, home of the Sidney Kimmel Medical College and the Kanbar College of Design, Engineering and Commerce, is a preeminent university delivering high-impact education in 160 undergraduate and graduate programs to 8,400 students in architecture, business, design, engineering, fashion and textiles, health, medicine, science and social science. Jefferson is re-defining 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.

 

For Immediate Release

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

Philadelphia, PA – Every year the Simmons University Sharks had crossed off the days of the calendar in anticipation of the trip to Philadelphia for the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta. The Sharks had been a mainstay at the event throughout the 80’s and 90’s, before deciding that 1995 would be their final trip to Philadelphia.

Now, with new leadership at the helm including Head Novice and Assistant Coach Jennifer Thomas, the Sharks will be returning to compete at the 83^rd annual Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta, presented by Independence Blue Cross, PECO and Coca-Cola on Friday, May 13 and Saturday, May 14.

“This trip is huge for the team,” said Thomas, who coached at Fordham and Franklin & Marshall and is very familiar with the Dad Vail. “For the past few years, the Shark’s competition has been a bit repetitive with mainly local competition, so it will be great for the athletes to see some more varied competition on the Schuylkill River and get used to traveling to race.”

When the team makes the trip down to Philadelphia, they will be donning black ribbons on their unisuits in memory of their late coach Nik Kurmakov, who passed away two years ago. Although Kurmakov did not coach Simmons University at Dad Vail, the longtime coach held the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta event in high esteem.

“I could not be more excited! Returning to Jefferson Dad Vail and representing Simmons Rowing for the first time in over 20 years means the world to me and my teammates,” said senior Maude Elovitz, who rows in the 7 seat. “Our coaches have been working so hard with us, and we’re ready to showcase our hard work in Philly.”

As the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta quickly approaches, the Sharks are showing continued growth each week as they face off against top competition in and around the New England area.

Simmons, a women’s college in the Fenway neighborhood of Boston practices out of Riverside Boat Club. With Crew being the oldest varsity athletic program at Simmons dating back to the ’70s the Sharks have experienced success with a couple medal contending finishes at Head of the Charles and a 2^rd place finish in the F/N 8+ in 1981 along with many Grand Final appearances at the Dad Vail Regatta.

Thomas said, “This trip is an amazing way to honor Nik’s legacy while also ushering in the new age of Simmons Rowing.”

About Thomas Jefferson University

Thomas Jefferson University is a leader in transdisciplinary, professional education. Jefferson, home of the Sidney Kimmel Medical College and the Kanbar College of Design, Engineering and Commerce, is a preeminent university delivering high-impact education in 160 undergraduate and graduate programs to 8,400 students in architecture, business, design, engineering, fashion and textiles, health, medicine, science and social science. Jefferson is re-defining 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.

 

For Immediate Release

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

 

Philadelphia – The Temple Men’s Crew program is synonymous with success at the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta. Owners of 21 Gold Medals in the Varsity Heavyweight Race throughout the 82-year history of the event, the Owls rowed into history again at the 2021 Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta, presented by Independence Blue Cross, PECO, and Coca Cola.

Though the pandemic limited the number of teams participating in the 2021 regatta, the field of Varsity Eight Heavyweight Men was stacked with talent. But the Temple Owls were up for the challenge.

To make history they would have to get by a talented field that included local rival Drexel who were hot on Temple’s heels and seemed to get faster every time the two raced. George Washington University had just been cut as a varsity team and were extremely motivated on going out on top and then there was Colgate, the reigning champions in the race.

Knowing the pace would be fast, the three boats got off the line quickly and continued that pace throughout with each of the three boats trading strokes. As they approached the final five hundred meters, the three teams pushed each other to the limit with the Owls holding on to earn the victory with a record setting time of 5:29, narrowly beating George Washington who finished second with a time of 5:30.

“Winning last year was a surreal experience,” said junior Kenneth Raynor, who rowed in the three-seat last year. “As a boat we meshed well, and just trusted that our coxswain would make the correct calls when needed. The welcome we got on the dock after rowing back upriver was when it really hit home; the entire team was there to celebrate with us.”

Coach Brian Perkins added, “To win the Varsity Heavyweight Eight in 2021 felt great. They were great guys, many of whom were granted a fifth year of covid eligibility, so they were super veteran. We reminded them every day of what a blessing and opportunity it was to even be able to row and compete after having a year ripped away from them. They gelled pretty early and despite differences in opinion and approach, had a shared goal of Dad Vail ’21.”

The victory in the premier event gave the Owls their second victory in the past three years the event was held and helped Temple clinch the Men’s Overall Point Trophy for the first time in school history.

Perkins said, “In 2019 we put every single athlete on Temple Crew into a Dad Vail final but we did not place high enough to win the point trophy. We felt like we could do that again and chip away at the point trophy and I am super proud of the men for getting it done. We even had a guy come back from an injury and “point” for us in the single. So it really was a team effort and the team supported each other like never before. There are not many things that I can call long time Temple coach Gavin White and say “Hey! Look what we did!” but this is definitely one of them.”

With a memorable season behind them, Temple has plenty of work to do if they want to repeat as champions. Returning only two rowers from last year’s boat gives Perkins a chance to re-invent Temple crew that will feature youthful energy. With 75% of the roster being relatively new to collegiate racing there were bumps in the road, but it was fun as the young racers were able to get acclimated to new surroundings.

“Our Fall was a lot of fun despite the issues that Hurricane Ida caused,” said Raynor. “We spent a lot of time indoors but when we got onto the water it was back our standard morning routine. At the moment we are taking every day as it comes, and the focus is mainly on what challenges need to be overcome when we next get back in our boats.”

 

 

About Thomas Jefferson University

Thomas Jefferson University is a leader in transdisciplinary, professional education. Jefferson, home of the Sidney Kimmel Medical College and the Kanbar College of Design, Engineering and Commerce, is a preeminent university delivering high-impact education in 160 undergraduate and graduate programs to 8,400 students in architecture, business, design, engineering, fashion and textiles, health, medicine, science and social science. Jefferson is re-defining 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.