Category: News

For Immediate Release

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

Philadelphia, PA – Celebrating its 80th anniversary, the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta, presented by Independence Blue Cross, Coca-Cola and PECO was given the best gift – an exciting two days of racing featuring plenty of local flavor tasting success. The weekend also featured a visit from Congressional Medal of Honor award winner Michael Thornton who presented four of the trophies to winning crews.

Highlighting the anniversary weekend was the Temple University Men’s Varsity Heavyweight Eight returning to the winner’s podium for the first time since 2004 along with Drexel University winning the women’s point trophy for the second consecutive year. The Drexel men’s and women’s teams contributed in their own way to lead the Dragons to their sixth consecutive overall points trophy (tying Purdue University for the most oval points trophy titles since 2003.

As the battle for the men’s varsity heavyweight eight crown reached the halfway point, the highly anticipated battle between Temple University and Saint Joseph’s University lived up to its billing as the local rivals battled for first. With approximately 150 meters remaining, the Owls kicked it into high gear as they pulled away and had nothing between them and victory except the open water.

Although the Hawks refused to go quietly, the lead built by the Owls was too big and Temple had their first win in the varsity heavyweight eight since 2004.

“It meant the world to me that these guys brought it home,” said Temple coach Brian Perkins. “We as a staff knew they could do it, but the men did not know yet. There were four guys in that boat who never even made a Dad Vail Final and now they hold the record for fastest V8 ever.”

On the women’s side, the Boston University Terriers made the most of their trip to the city of Philadelphia winning the Evelyn Bergman Cup, the women’s heavyweight varsity eight race for the first time in school history.

The University Delaware men’s program also enjoyed a banner day winning the Thomas Kerr Trophy (Men’s Point Trophy).

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.

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

North America’s largest collegiate regatta will celebrate its 80^th Anniversary this weekend as over 100 schools and 3,500 rowers from across United States and Canada converge on the historic Schuykill River in Philadelphia on Friday, May 11 and Saturday, May 12 for the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta, presented by Independence Blue Cross, Coca-Cola and PECO.

Drexel University returns to try and defend the Varsity Heavyweight Eight Men’s and Women’s titles, overall points title and women’s points trophy while the University of Delaware will be back to try and defend the Men’s Points Trophy.

Here are the details:

Dates: Friday, May 11 and Saturday, May 12

Times: The Friday races run from 7:30 am to. 6:00 pm. Saturday’s races will run from 7:00 am to 5 pm.

The Course: The 2,000 meters long race course start line is just north of the Kelly Drive-Hunting Park Avenue intersection. The course ends at the Grand Stand finish line just above the Columbia Avenue Bridge.

Award Ceremonies: All award ceremonies will take place on Saturday at the finish line dock as each championship race concludes. The winning team will take the podium while the second and third place crews will receive medals in their shell at the finish line dock.

Race Schedule & Results: Race results can be found on www.dadvail.org or by downloading the Dad Vail Regatta app which can be found in the App store for IOS and Android devices.

Where to watch:  Best place to watch is at the finish line grandstand but you can also view the races along the banks of the Schuykill River throughout the 2,000-meter course. If cannot make the event all the races will be streamed at www.dadvail.org.

Transportation: Shuttle bus service is available to and from the race course on Kelly Drive from 6:00AM until 7:00PM on both Friday and Saturday. This service is free of charge and will pick up from, and return spectators to, the remote parking lots as well as the Philadelphia Art Museum. The Art Museum, a short walk from downtown Philadelphia, is also accessed by SEPTA Routes 32 and 38, and is near historic Boathouse Row.

If you drive, plan on parking your vehicle in the remote lots provided in historic Fairmount Park. To access parking, follow the directions to Kelly Drive elsewhere on this site. Once on Kelly Drive, there will be signs posted to the remote parking areas. Shuttle buses will pick you up in the parking areas. You will be minutes from the race course and Rower’s Village.

If you walk from Center City or take public transportation (Septa Routes 32 and 38), shuttle buses will pick you up at 25th Street and Kelly Drive (gold equestrian statue of St. Joan of Arc). Walking from Center City, go to the right (north) of the Art Museum. Don’t forget to stop at the Rocky Statue or run up the Art Museum steps like Rocky. Proceed another block along Kelly Drive to 25th Street (gold equestrian statue of St. Joan of Arc). Once on the bus, after passing historic Boathouse Row, you can get off at Rower’s Village and then walk approximately ½ mile to the finish line or stay on the bus, proceed through the parking areas and get off at the Canoe Club (mid race), the 500 meter mark (final quarter) or the finish line.

The Jefferson Dad Vail Shuttle Buses will be marked “Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta” and will be either double decker London style buses or trolley style buses.

Road Closures: From 10:00 am on Thursday, May 10 until 7:00 pm on Saturday, May 12, Kelly Drive will close from Strawberry Mansion Bridge to Fountain Green.

For Immediate Release

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

Philadelphia, Pa (May 2, 2018) –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 16th Annual Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta Art Poster Contest staged this spring for budding young artists attending Philadelphia area public, private and parochial schools.

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney and Jim Hanna, President of the Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee will present the cash awards at a press conference on Friday,

May 11 at 9 a.m. amidst the opening races of the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta, which will be celebrating its 80^th anniversary.

Jim Hanna said, “The Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta is far more than a regatta, offering students the opportunity to be recognized for their artistic ability and to be rewarded for their distinguished achievements by way of our annual Art Poster Contest.”

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, The School District of Philadelphia, the Office of Catholic Education comprised the judging committee of the artwork.

At the conclusion of the awards, Mayor Kenney will be presented with a check from Hanna for the city’s summer rowing program for inner city youngsters, an annual Dad Vail donation that is now approaching $50,000.

This program seeks to expose Philadelphia high school students to some of the benefits of rowing; discipline, camaraderie, loyalty, exceptional physical conditioning and teamwork.

The Winners of the 2018 Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta Art Poster Contest are:

Grand Prize

Mary Xu, Archbishop Ryan

First Place

Alyssa Sliwa, Archbishop Ryan

Second Place

Kiany Pelullera, Randolph Technical High School

Third Place

Alpha Barry, Central High School

Honorable Mention

Dan Jurgelewicz, Archbishop Ryan

Jessica Mark, Central High School

Maddie Mask, Central

Erin Slack, Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush

Lika Su, Archbishop Ryan

Abigail Woods, Archbishop Ryan

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.

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

Philadelphia, PA (April 30, 2018)– The Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee, host of the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta, presented by Independence Blue Cross, Coca-Cola and PECO has signed a deal with to JB Productions to provide live streaming coverage of the races beginning on Friday, May 11 at 7:00 am continuing through the conclusion of racing on Saturday May 12.

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

“The Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee is pleased to have JB Productions return for another year and 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.

There will be six cameras positioned along the course from start to finish. On select races, there will also be drone coverage providing aerial views. Accomplished rower and Dad Vail Board Member Brad Negaard will handle the announcing and commentary throughout the day. Guest commentators including fellow Dad Vail Regatta board member and Florida Tech Bill Jurgens will also join Neegard.

JB Productions has extensive experience live streaming rowing events in Philadelphia including the City Championships.

The Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta, celebrating its 80^thAnniversary will be held on Friday, May 11 and Saturday 12 and will feature over 3,000 student-athletes from more than 100 colleges and universities throughout the United States and Canada. 

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.

 

 

 

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

 

Philadelphia, PA (April 24, 2018) – To say the Jefferson Rams made a splash in their first season of rowing would be an understatement.

Tasked with building a crew program at a Division II university nestled in the East Falls section of Philadelphia, in 2006 newly hired coach Chris O’Brien gladly accepted the challenge of trying secure racing shells, oars and ergometers for practice, while also trying to gauge the student level of interest in a grueling sport.

Yet the strong turnout of 30 rowers–and just two with any rowing experience–in the program’s first year underscored that rowing is truly a team sport.

After spending that first fall season learning how to row together, the Rams in late April won the Bergen Cup, which is the Philadelphia City Championships, before capping their first season winning a coveted Dad Vail Regatta Gold Medal in the Women’s Novice Eight

“Dad Vail medals do not come easy,” said O’Brien. “To win in the first year of the program was amazing. We started out that year wanting to be a presence on the water, with the goal of developing into a serious player on the water. However, when I saw the passion and commitment of the group that first year, I knew we could be a player right away. So, we committed to the goal of winning. To see walk-on women on a novice team competing with the likes of UConn, Kansas, Villanova and Purdue meant that we were competing in the top ranks of rowing.”

This season the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta, presented by Independence Blue Cross, PECO and Coca-Cola, will celebrate its 80^th Anniversary when the event takes place on Friday, May 11 and Saturday May 12 on the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia.

For the Jefferson Rams, known as the Philadelphia University Rams prior to the July 2017 merger of Philadelphia University and Thomas Jefferson University, the merger is expected to pay dividends for the crew team as it continues to row forward one stroke at a time.

“The University merger will help the rowing program to grow,” said O’Brien. “We now have double the number of students, which gives us the potential to pull additional quality walk-ons onto the program. And we have many more academic majors, which has the potential to attract more high school rowers across multiple disciplines. With the University’s increased visibility and scale, I believe the rowing program will follow suit and increase its visibility and scale within collegiate rowing.”  

Since its start 11 years ago, the Rams women’s Varsity Eight has qualified for the DII/DIII grand final every year and has made five appearances at the NCAA Championships. In 2010, the then-Philadelphia University women’s rowing team placed 3rd at the NCAA Championships, the highest placing of any PhilaU women’s program in any sport at the NCAA Championship level. The Varsity Eight also paved the way for success in other categories.

The Men’s Varsity Four took silver at the Dad Vail in 2011 and the women’s Varsity Four took bronze in 2012. The school’s depth has also grown, putting at least three boats in the grand final of the Dad Vail Regatta in six of the past eight years.

“I love being on a team where I know the coach is as invested as the athletes,” said senior Kelsey Fairley. “This program is so special because Coach O’Brien started it all. In his first year, he saw the success and potential for the future of the program he was building. Since then, he has never lost faith in each new team’s work ethic and passion to race. One of the best aspects of our team is the number of walk-on rowers we gain each year. They learn how thrilling and competitive racing is, and how they can be just as fast as anyone else out there on the water.”

Fairley added, “The Novice Eight win in 2007 proves to every team member what is possible. It shows us that if we trust the process and we trust each other all year long, we will push each other to build a faster team that wins races throughout the season – including at the Dad Vail.”

 

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.

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

Drexel crew roars into history books at 79^thannual Dad Vail Regatta

Philadelphia, PA (April) –The Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta has a rich tradition in Philadelphia and Paul Savell, the Director of Rowing/Head Men’s and Women’s coach at Drexel University makes sure to share that tradition with his program.

Every spring, the Drexel men’s and women’s crew program counts down the days until they get to row in front of teammates, family and alumnae on the historic Schuylkill River, a place they call home.

This year will be a little different for Drexel as the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta, presented by Independence Blue Cross, Coca-Cola and PECO, prepares for its 80^thanniversary on Friday, May 11 and Saturday, May 12. For the first time in school history, the Dragons will enter as defending champions of the Men’s and Women’s Varsity Heavyweight Eight.

“It was extremely rewarding to continue Drexel Rowing’s winning tradition at the Dad Vail Regatta,” Savell said. “Winning creates more pressure to keep winning, and I was so happy with how the team rose to the challenge and exceeded expectations.”

In addition to battling a talented field, the crews woke up on the final day realizing they would also have to battle weather as a steady rain fell making conditions more challenging.

“Rowing is an outdoor sport and weather is often a factor,” said Savell. “Everyone hopes for good flat conditions, but you need to prepare for all conditions. All of the boats in each race are racing in the same weather conditions, no matter how clear or how difficult. They were tough, but there’s no time to let up when you’re that close to another Dad Vail title. I was proud of how our team battled through the elements and kept the eye on the ultimate prize.”

With the UMASS women hoping to claim an unprecedented third consecutive Varsity Heavyweight Eight title along with a fourth straight Women’s Overall Point trophy, the five other schools in the final including Drexel knew the task at hand.

Amidst a steady rain as the race for the Evelyn Bergman Trophy (Women’s Varsity Heavyweight Eight) began, the Dragons got off to a quick start and never took their foot off the gas, eventually creating open water between them and UMASS en route to their first ever coveted Dad Vail Gold Medal.

“Coming across the finish line of Dad Vail last spring in the pouring rain and open water on UMass was the absolute culmination of all of the hard work and dedication we had invested towards that victory for our boat and our entire team and all parents, coaches, alumni and donors that we had supporting us the whole way,” said Paige Propp, who sat in the 7 seat for the 2017 Dad Vail Regatta. “We have been chasing this goal for many years, and it was unbelievable to be able to be a member of the boat that was finally able to make it a reality. It was a day that I will never forget and one that I am exceedingly proud to say that I could be a part of.”

The women also garnered victories the JV Heavyweight Eight, the 3V Heavyweight Eight and the Varsity Heavyweight Four on their way to the school’s first Overall Women’s Point Trophy.

Not to be outdone, the men followed the women in dramatic fashion of their own capturing the Richard O’Brien Trophy (Men’s Varsity Heavyweight Eight) fending off city rival St. Joseph’s who had posted a quicker time in their respective semi-final heat.

In the finals, the Dragons got off the starting block quickly and created open water allowing them to enjoy the taste of victory for the first time since 2013 when they had to come from behind shocking the University of Michigan and Florida Institute of Technology.

“Winning the Heavyweight Eight event at Dad Vail solidified my understanding of how far the Drexel rowing program has come since its inception,” said Ben Lee, who rowed in the 7 seat at the Dad Vail Regatta. “Ten years ago, Drexel was having trouble making the grand finals. Twenty years ago, the program was off the map. Now, the team is consistently placing in and winning the majority of events offered at the Dad Vail Regatta. The last and only other time the program has won the varsity eight event was in 2013. I have high hopes for the future of the program. Winning the overall points trophy could likely become an annual occurrence.”

Savell added, “Each year has been very unique and last year very special for that group.  This was the first time we were able to win both the men’s and women’s varsity eight events (the premiere events) at Dad Vails. To come away with the first women’s varsity eight gold, another men’s varsity eight golds, a program-record five gold medals and the overall title for the fifth time was really an incredible moment for the program.

 

Contact:

Fran Connors
General Manager
Dad Vail Regatta
610-348-1104
dadvailgm@comcast.net

Philadelphia, April 16, 2018 – The Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee has signed Urban Village Brewing Company as the Official Beer Sponsor of the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta, which will be held for the 80^th year on Friday, May 11 and Saturday, May 12 on the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia.

UVBC operates a popular craft brewery and restaurant in Philadelphia and is creating a special anniversary beer to commemorate the Regatta’s 80^th anniversary.

“We’re delighted to be partnering with Urban Village Brewing Company and excited that it will craft a special beer to celebrate our anniversary,” says Jim Hanna, president of the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta.

UVBC will offer Regatta patrons Dad Vail Anniversary Ale, which will be brewed exclusively for the Regatta and also served in its restaurant on North 2^nd Street in Philadelphia and Winnie’s in Manayunk starting April 20.

“We’re proud to be associated with this iconic Philadelphia event and brewing its 80th anniversary beer,” says Dave Goldman, owner and brewmeister for UVBC.

As America’s largest and most celebrated collegiate regatta, the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta annually attracts more than 100 universities and colleges, 3,500 athletes and 25,000 spectators.

For Immediate Release

Ed Levin
Director of Publicity
Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta
610-246-5902
levins51@verizon.net

 

Philadelphia, Pa., March 2018 – The Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee (DVROC) and Jefferson (Philadelphia University + Thomas Jefferson University) are pleased to announce that the newly combined University will serve as the title sponsor of America’s largest and most celebrated collegiate rowing regatta.

Called the “Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta,” the Philadelphia event will be held this spring for the 80^th year on Friday, May 11 and Saturday, May 12 on the Schuylkill River.

The partnership holds special significance following the merger of Philadelphia University and Thomas Jefferson University on July 1, 2017.

“We are elated to have the new Jefferson join with us as we celebrate our 80^th Dad Vail Regatta anniversary,” says DVROC President Jim Hanna. “Our alliance enhances shared values bridging academia, athletics and healthy lifestyles.  In perpetuating Philadelphia traditions for both Jefferson and the Dad Vail, our partnership will ensure a bright and strong future for the Regatta while celebrating the significance of college sports for Philadelphia.”

“Our association with the Dad Vail Regatta is yet another example of our commitment to an education ecosystem where we prepare students for leadership in their careers both in and out of the classroom,” says Stephen K. Klasko, MD, MBA, president and CEO of Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health. “We are proud to add our University’s name to this historic event, which began in 1934 and has been a permanent fixture in Philadelphia since 1952. We are equally proud to introduce our Jefferson Rams Rowing Team at this year’s Dad Vail, led by Assistant Director of Athletics and Rowing Coach Chris O’Brien.”

The Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta, presented by Independence Blue Cross, Coca-Cola and PECO, annually attracts more than 100 universities and colleges from North America and Canada and 3,000 rowers almost equally divided between men and women.  Jefferson Rams will have several crews rowing in this year’s Regatta. Prior to the universities’ merger, the team was known as the Philadelphia University Rams.

Named after beloved rowing coach Harry Emerson “Dad” Vail, who was one of the sport’s most passionate advocates, the Regatta attracts tens of thousands of spectators. Every year they line the banks of the Schuylkill River to enjoy the spirited competition and festive atmosphere.

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 professional 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.

 

 

For Immediate Release

Ed Levin
Director of Publicity
Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta
610-246-5902
levins51@verizon.net

Philadelphia, PA – For nearly nine months the schools participating in the Dad Vail Regatta count down the days as they prepare to win a coveted Dad Vail Regatta medal.

Heading into the 79^th Dad Vail Regatta, presented by Independence Blue Cross and The Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University most of the local schools had high hopes of leaving a lasting legacy at their respective institutions. Rowers from Drexel University, St. Joseph’s University and the University of Delaware did just that in front of spirited crowds despite the heavy rain that fell during the course of the racing schedule on Saturday morning.

With unfavorable conditions predicted for Saturday morning, the Dad Vail Organizing Committee re-arranged the schedule in order to maintain their promise that each school have the opportunity to row at least two races while also figuring a way to complete all of the Grand and Petite finals.

As the rain fell on rowers and spectators the Dragons began the day on fire winning the two premier events. The women got things started in historic fashion. For the first time in school history, the women captured the Varsity Heavyweight Eight title just a couple of weeks after dedicating their shell to Cara Fry, the wife of school president Dr. John Fry.

The men continued Drexel’s hot start by winning their first Varsity Heavyweight title since 2013 just weeks after they dedicated their shell to Lois Krall. Additionally, the Dragons captured three more gold medals; a silver medal and a bronze that played a big role in helping the women capture the Jack & Nancy Seitz Trophy (Women’s Point Trophy) for the first time in school history and a fifth consecutive Jack Bratton Trophy (Overall Points).

The University Delaware men’s program also enjoyed a banner day winning the Thomas Kerr Trophy (Men’s Point Trophy) highlighted by victories in the men’s lightweight eight and the men’s lightweight four while also winning the women’s junior varsity four.

Rounding out the fine performances by the local schools at the Dad Vail Regatta, also presented by Coca-Cola and PECO was St. Joseph’s University. The men’s junior varsity eight and men’s third varsity eight won the first gold medals on the men’s side since 2010 while the women’s freshman/novice eight won the Hawks first gold medal since 2011 on the women’s side. The Hawks finished second in the women’s point standings and third in the men’s standings.

About Independence Blue Cross

Independence Blue Cross is the leading health insurance organization in southeastern Pennsylvania. With our affiliates, we serve more than 8.5 million people in 25 states and the District of Columbia, including more than 2.5 million in the region. For almost 80 years, we have been enhancing the health and wellness of the people and communities we serve by delivering innovative and competitively priced health care products and services; pioneering new ways to reward doctors, hospitals, and other health care professionals for coordinated, quality care; and supporting events that promote wellness. To learn more visit www.ibx.com. Connect with us on Facebook at ibx.com/facebook and on Twitter at @ibx. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

About – Jefferson

Jefferson, through its academic and clinical entities of Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health, including Abington Health and Aria Health, is reimagining health care for the greater Philadelphia region and southern New Jersey. Jefferson has 23,000 people dedicated to providing the highest-quality, compassionate clinical care for patients, educating the health professionals of tomorrow, and discovering new treatments and therapies to define the future of care. With a university and hospital that date back to 1824, today Jefferson is comprised of six colleges, nine hospitals, 34 outpatient and urgent care locations, and a multitude of physician practices throughout the region, serving more than 100,000 inpatients, 373,000 emergency patients and 2.2 million outpatients annually.

 

For Immediate Release

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

Philadelphia, PA – Classes may have ended at the University of Wisconsin but members of the women’s lightweight crew team are being taught a valuable history lesson.

When they heard coach Dusty Mattison registered their team for the 79^th annual Dad Vail Regatta, presented by Independence Blue Cross and The Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University the young women were excited to learn about the event named in honor of Wisconsin’s former men’s rowing coach Harry Emerson “Dad” Vail.

“They do,” said Mattison referring to her team’s understanding of how special attending the Dad Vail Regatta can be. “This year in particular we have talked a lot about the history of rowing at Wisconsin and the legacy they want to leave behind. It is really interesting how things weave together if you really pay attention. They are very proud to wear the “W” and be the ones to represent the University of Wisconsin.”

The Dad Vail Regatta, also presented by Coca-Cola and PECO will be staged on Friday May 12 and Saturday May 13 will be the first trip in the history of the women’s program to the largest collegiate regatta in the country that features over 100 universities and colleges and 3,500 athletes from around the country competing for Gold Medals.

Mattison said, “It is very special! One thing we always say is there are Badgers everywhere we travel and this just confirms that. The Badger pride runs very deep at Wisconsin and it is fun to bring that with us to the largest collegiate regatta in the country. We feel honored to be representing one of the original founders of the regatta.    I have always heard about what a great race Dad Vail Regatta is. Fortunately, with Eastern Sprints scheduled at the end of April it allows us to race at Dad Vail. This race gives us an opportunity to line up against very competitive crews before heading into IRA’s. There are five weeks between Eastern Sprints and IRA’s. It is important we stay connected to that racing atmosphere and to be put in as many different racing situations as possible.”

While this may be the first trip east to the regatta named in honor of the man who kept Wisconsin rowing going year after year, it will hopefully be a memorable one and the first of many trips to come.

To learn more about “Dad” Vail, please go to www.dadvail.org and click on the history of the Dad Vail Regatta under the General Information tab.

About Independence Blue Cross

Independence Blue Cross is the leading health insurance organization in southeastern Pennsylvania. With our affiliates, we serve more than 8.5 million people in 25 states and the District of Columbia, including more than 2.5 million in the region. For almost 80 years, we have been enhancing the health and wellness of the people and communities we serve by delivering innovative and competitively priced health care products and services; pioneering new ways to reward doctors, hospitals, and other health care professionals for coordinated, quality care; and supporting events that promote wellness. To learn more visit www.ibx.com. Connect with us on Facebook at ibx.com/facebook and on Twitter at @ibx. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

About – Jefferson

Jefferson, through its academic and clinical entities of Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health, including Abington Health and Aria Health, is reimagining health care for the greater Philadelphia region and southern New Jersey. Jefferson has 23,000 people dedicated to providing the highest-quality, compassionate clinical care for patients, educating the health professionals of tomorrow, and discovering new treatments and therapies to define the future of care. With a university and hospital that date back to 1824, today Jefferson is comprised of six colleges, nine hospitals, 34 outpatient and urgent care locations, and a multitude of physician practices throughout the region, serving more than 100,000 inpatients, 373,000 emergency patients and 2.2 million outpatients annually.