Survivor Rowing Network Returns To 2025 Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta

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

 The indescribable, life altering moment of the announcement of a diagnosis of cancer is indelibly etched in the mind of so many.  Shock, doubt, despair, fear and grief perch over family, friends, and community.

Some, fortified with prayer, belief in a cure, exceptional care, support by everyone surrounding them survive, an odyssey of tragedy to triumph.

Afterwards, their bond with others who have survived is remarkable.

The Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee (DVROC) is very excited about partnering with the Survivor Rowing Network, a community of rowers committed to introducing rowing to more cancer survivors.

On Saturday May 10, between the morning and afternoon sessions of the 86th annual Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta, four boats will unite for the second annual “Survivor Row.” This special event will feature one 8+ (eight rowers with coxswain) and three quads (four rowers without coxswain) highlighting the strength, spirit, and resilience of cancer survivors through the power of rowing.

This exhibition aims to inspire Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta competitors and spectators alike, showcasing a growing movement within the sport – Survivor Rowing.

The Survivor Rowing Network launched in 2023 with a clear and powerful mission; to provide access for cancer patients and survivors to find strength, joy, confidence and community through rowing. In just two years, SRN has grown rapidly. The network now supports 32 member programs and individuals in five countries serving cancer survivors aged 30 to 80. Most participants had never rowed prior to their diagnosis, but now thrive as part of a vibrant, empowering community-helping to establish a new category in rowing – The Survivor Row.

This weekend, SRN brings 20 survivor rowers to the Cooper River representing seven clubs from Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Georgia, Washington D.C and Philadelphia.

“The Survivor Rowing Network is thrilled to return to the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta for our second Survivor Row”, said Beth Kohl, Rowing Cares President/ Survivor Rowing Network Founder.  “Last year our survivors were warmly welcomed and had a terrific experience. This event provides an incredible opportunity to showcase the healing power of rowing for cancer survivors to the broad collegiate community of rowers, coaches and supporters.”

“The Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee is excited to partner with survivor cancer rowing and to be able to showcase the great work the organization is doing and the amazing cancer survivors who have turned to rowing as an outlet.”

SRN’s goal is to create more opportunities for survivors to row – whether on the water or on indoor rowing machines – as part of their recovery and rehabilitation. Scientific research continues to show the crucial role of exercise in reducing the risk of recurrence and rowing offers a mix of physical challenge, teamwork and mental restoration.

Interested rowing programs are encouraged to connect with SRN. The network is actively collaborating with collegiate and community boathouses to welcome survivors- especially during summer and school breaks-and offers full support to new programs.

To learn more about SRN, please stop by the tent

The 86th Annual Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta, will be staged on the Cooper River, in Pennsauken Township, New Jersey on Friday, May 9, and Saturday, May 10.

-Beth Kohl, Rowing Cares President/ Survivor Rowing Network Founder contributed to the release. 

Annual Art Poster Contest highlights Off the river talents at Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta

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.

The Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee (DVROC), organizers of the prestigious Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta are pleased to announce the winners of the 23rd annual Dad Vail Regatta Art Poster Contest staged this spring for budding young artists attending surrounding area high schools.

The 86th annual Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta will be held on Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10 on the Cooper River in Pennsauken Township, New Jersey.

Kirsten Morasco, President of the Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee said, “We are once again excited and honored to showcase the artistic talent of our area high school students by hosting our annual art poster contest. I am always amazed by the talent of these students and believe the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta is so fortunate to partner with the community and support their artistic gifts.”

Morasco will announce the winners and the cash awards at a press conference on Friday May 9 at 9 AM. To be convened at the Camden County Boathouse amidst the first day of races for the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta.

State Senator Jim Beach, State Senate Assembly Leader Louis Greenwald, State Assembly member Melinda Kane, Camden County Commissioner Jeff Nash and County Commissioner Deputy Director Ed McDonnel will be offering their own brief remarks along with the following local mayors who will also be offering their own brief remarks: Collingswood Mayor Jim Maley, Pennsauken Deputy Mayor Jessica Rafeh and Haddon Township Mayor Randy Teague.

The Art Poster contest, which challenges Philadelphia area high school students to best depict the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta, one of the largest and best-known collegiate regattas, 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 distinguished rowers and artists comprised the judging committee.

The Winners of the 2025 Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta Art Poster Contest are:

Grand Prize

Elisabeth Prushan

 

First Place

Amira Ferrell

 

Second Place

Isabella Oniate

 

Third Place

Scarlett-Rose Stec

 

Honorable Mention

Mel Grace Calixtro

Olivia Domanico

Patrick McWade

Keira Merrigan

Breanna Nunez

Patrick Rogozinski

Five Tribes Cinema Productions to Provide Live Stream Coverage  

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

The Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee, host of the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta is pleased to announce Five Tribes Cinema Productions will once again provide the same exciting live streaming coverage of the races beginning on Friday, May 9 at 8:00 AM continuing through the conclusion of racing on Saturday May 10.

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

“The Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee is more than excited to have Five Tribes Cinema Productions provide exceptionally fine quality live stream coverage for the fourth consecutive year! Their own rowing experience accompanied by their production talent will enable thefamily, friends, and rowing fans of the collegiate rowers competing in the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta to enjoy the race day excitement via a live streaming platform” said Kirsten Morasco, President of the Dad Vail Organizing Committee.

“It’s always a fantastic two days of racing at the Dad Vail Regatta and we at Five Tribes Cinema Productions are honored to extend our partnership another year with the Organizing Committee,” said Five Tribes CEO of Five Tribes Production Colin Stewart. “This year we are committed to bringing the best live coverage and television coverage we can to a regatta that is so ingrained in the rowing community. We can’t wait to see everyone on the river this May!”

This year, there will be three elevated camera positions at the 500-meter mark, Cooper River Boathouse, 1500 Meters in and the Finish Line, as well as one ground level camera at the starting line.  Additionally, a launch camera for Saturday’s finals that will follow the races from the start. and there will be a medal dock camera which will allow viewers to  watch the winners receive their medals. Similar to  previous years,  two drones will alternate between races to ensure there is uninterrupted coverage.

Accomplished rower Megan Kalmoe along with Joe Leonard, a local Philadelphia rower and Whitney Powell from Long Beach, CA will be the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta announcers.

 The 86th Annual Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta will be staged on the Cooper River, in Pennsauken Township, New Jersey on Friday, May 9, and Saturday, May 10.

Mike Irwin has been selected as the 2025 Matt Ledwith Award recipient as the 2025 Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta Coach of the Year

Saint Joseph’s University men’s rowing head coach Mike Irwin has been selected as the 2025  Matt Ledwith Award recipient as the 2025 Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta Coach of the Year. 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.

Now in his 14th season at the helm in 2024-25, Irwin has guided Saint Joseph’s through an era of unprecedented growth and achievement. Under his leadership, the Hawks have reached new competitive heights, highlighted by numerous seasons and continued national recognition.

In recent years, Irwin has orchestrated some of the most successful campaigns in program history. The Hawks earned national rankings, multiple medals at the prestigious Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta, and back-to-back appearances at the IRA National Championships — including the team’s first at-large bid since 2009.

Additionally, Irwin has been instrumental as a key member of the Atlantic Sprints leadership group. With the focus on the continued success and growth of collegiate rowing, Irwin has helped the organization plan for the future, while also helping enhance the experience for student-athletes.

With more than two decades of collegiate coaching experience, including successful stints at Penn and Yale, Irwin has been a mainstay in the Philadelphia rowing community and at the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta. He was named EARC Lightweight Coach of the Year in 2005 while at Penn, and has represented the U.S. National Team staff at multiple Olympic Games and World Championships. 

A native of Buffalo, New York, and a graduate of Trinity College, Irwin has created a legacy at Saint Joseph’s that is defined not only by victories, but by the culture of excellence he’s built.

Kendall Mulligan Named Inaugural Kate Godwin Award for Dad Vail Coach of the Year

The Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta announced Kendall Mulligan, head coach of Georgetown University Women’s Rowing, as the inaugural recipient of the Kate Godwin Award for Dad Vail Coach of the Year.

Since taking over Georgetown’s historic women’s rowing program in 2018, Mulligan has built upon a legacy that includes Dad Vail gold medals in the openweight eight in 1983, 1987, and 1993. Under her leadership, the program has added Dad Vail lightweight eight titles in 2019, 2022, and 2024.

Mulligan has consistently prioritized the Dad Vail Regatta, bringing every collegiate team she has coached, including Franklin & Marshall (men’s and women’s programs) and Georgetown (openweight and Lightweight Women), to the event. Her crews have competed in a wide range of events, including open, lightweight, division II/III, division III, and division I categories.

In her first season at Georgetown, the Women’s Varsity 8+ earned a bronze medal at Dad Vail. In 2024, her program captured the Nancy J. Seitz Women’s All Points Trophy with first-place finishes in the W2V8, W3V8, W2V4, and WLV8; a second-place result in the WLV4; and third-place finishes in the WF/N4 and W1V8.

Outside of Dad Vail, Mulligan’s teams have achieved additional notable results, including medals at the PATL Championships in 2019 and 2024, podium finishes at the Head of the Charles and Knecht Cup, and the historic 2023 entry of the first-ever Georgetown women’s rowing crew at the Henley Royal Regatta.

The Kate Godwin Award recognizes coaches who demonstrate a sustained commitment to excellence at the Dad Vail Regatta and in collegiate rowing. Mulligan’s leadership and results exemplify the values this award was created to honor.

National Open Intercollegiate Sculling Championships To be held within Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta

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

The Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee, host of the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta, is pleased to announce the National Open Intercollegiate Sculling Championships will be held within this year’s 2025 Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta in conjunction with the sculling events.

Sculling (two oars per person) is an emerging intercollegiate rowing category that has increased in popularity over the past five years. Sweep rowing (one oar per person) has been the traditional form of intercollegiate competition.

National champions will be crowned in the Single, Double and Quad and the top three finishers in each category will receive medals. Also, a combined overall championship trophy will be presented to the top men’s team and the top women’s team based on cumulative points for the single, double and quad.

The Sculling Championships are open events in which Club, D1, DII and DIII categories compete against each other. For a complete schedule that gets posted three days prior to the event, please visit www.dadvail.org.

The Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta is excited to add a National Sculling Championship to our event,” said Dad Vail Organizing Committee President Kirsten Morasco. “Sculling is central to the future of competitive rowing, and we are championing this initiative because the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta wants to provide opportunities to our athletes and position them for success at the highest levels of the sport.

Celebrating its 86th anniversary, the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta will be staged on the Cooper River, in Pennsauken Township, New Jersey on Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10.