Dr. Gavin White Announces Retirement after 37-Year Career with Temple Crew

PHILADELPHIA -- Legendary Temple men's crew head coach, Dr. Gavin White, has announced that he will retire after the 2015-16 season, concluding a storied 37-year career with the Owls. White will continue with the program, moving into the role of Coach Emeritus.

"I have been so very fortunate to be able to do what I love for four decades," said White. "There are so many people to thank, starting with the late great Temple coach Tom "Bear" Curran, who gave me my start. I am also thankful for the Temple administration through the years that has supported my efforts and the program."

Under his guidance, Temple crew has achieved distinction both nationally and internationally. His boats have won 20 Dad Vail Regatta Varsity 8 titles, including an impressive 13 consecutive titles from 1989-2001. White has also led the Owls to seven invitations to Great Britain's premiere regatta, the renowned Royal Henley Regatta (1983-86, 1989, 1990, 1994). In Temple's seven appearances, White's crews qualified to the grand final once (1984) and into the quarterfinals four times (1985, 1990, 1993, 1994).

"Gavin White will always be synonymous with Temple Crew," said Temple University Director of Athletics Dr. Patrick Kraft. "His dedication and service to our rowers over the past 35 years has been exemplary. He has not only succeeded on the river, with a record 20 Dad Vail Championships, but more importantly in molding boys into men."

After serving as an assistant for three seasons, White became only the second head coach in Temple crew history. He succeeded Curran in 1979 and has been the men's coach ever since, with the exception of the 1984-85 season when he took a sabbatical to work on a doctoral degree, which he received from Temple in 1986.

Honored as the 2003 Schuylkill Navy Coach of the Year, White coached the men's four at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, where his crew finished fifth in the finals. A five-time U.S. National Rowing Team coach, White also coached the men's pair with coxswain to the gold medal at the 2003 FISA World Rowing Championships in Milan, Italy.

"The success we have had on the river would not have been possible without my assistant coaches through the years, especially my current staff of Brian Perkins, Gus Goettner and Patrick Curran," continued White. "I must thank our rowers, past and present, watching them grow, on the river and in life, has given me great pride and joy. Most importantly I must thank my family, starting with my father, who instilled my love of Temple Athletics, my two children, Elizabeth and Gavin, and my lovely wife Jane, who has supported me through all of these memorable years."

Many of White's Temple rowers have gone on to success in international competition, including Olympians Jason Read (Gold, USA Eight, 2004 Olympics), Igor Francetic (Bronze, Croatian Eight, 2000 Olympics), and Scott Brodie '94 (Canadian Eight, 1996 Olympics), and World Champion, Chris Kerber '92 (USA Lightweight). White has also placed numerous rowers on the USA National Team.

Before taking his talents to the shores as a coach, White was a member of the Temple University crew for three years (1971-73), graduating with a bachelor's degree in physical education. As a senior he was honored with the Club's Most Valuable Rower Award. White was also a member of the Temple basketball team as a freshman during the 1969-70 season. After Temple, White went on to receive a master's degree in physical education from the University of Maryland.

In 1985, White was inducted into the Temple Athletic Hall of Fame. The son of retired Temple Athletic Director, Gavin White, Jr., he resides in Abington, Pa., with his wife, Jane and their two children, Elizabeth and Gavin Michael.

Gavin White Through the Years (Photo Gallery) | Watch Video

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Dr. Gavin White Announces Retirement after 37-Year Career with Temple Crew

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