Temple University Athletics
Temple Crews Set To Compete In 69th Annual Dad Vail Regatta
5.10.07 | Men's Crew
May 10, 2007
PHILADELPHIA - The 20th-ranked Temple men's crew team, under the direction of Gavin White, and the women's crew team, under the leadership of Tim Hagan, are set to scull the Schuylkill this Friday and Saturday (May 11-12) in the 69th annual Dad Vail Regatta. The Dad Vail is the largest collegiate regatta in the United States, with more than 116 colleges and Universities from the U.S. and Canada competing.
Dubbed the "Big Daddy" of collegiate rowing, the Dad Vail features a 2,000-meter course along side picturesque Kelly Drive in Philadelphia's Fairmount Park.
The men's varsity heavyweight eight will be looking to claim its 21st title. After winning the Richard O'Brien Trophy 20 of 22 years from 1983 to 2004, the Owls placed fourth in 2005 and second to Marietta last year. The Owls appear poised to keep the trophy within the city limits this weekend. The Cherry & White oarsmen defeated then No. 17-ranked Georgetown on April 28 after besting Marietta at the SIRA Regatta on April 22.
"We could lose every race, but if we win at Dad Vail, the season is a smashing success," White told the Philadelphia Inquirer. "But if you win every race and lose at Dad Vail, then the season is a disappointment. It's that big. It's what we shoot for all year long."
The women's varsity heavyweight eight will be looking to capture its third Dad Vail crown and first Evelyn Bergman Trophy since 1996. The squad has had a solid spring season. The team is coming off a third place finish at the Bergen Cup on April 28. Earlier in the season, the Owls qualified for Grand Final at the coveted San Diego Crew Classic for the first time in a decade.
In addition the varsity heavyweight eight boat, Temple men will also be competing in the varsity heavyweight four, varsity pair, JV heavyweight eight, and novice four. The women will complement their varsity heavyweight eight boat with entries in the varsity lightweight eight, JV heavyweight eight and novice four.
The Dad Vail is named for an early 20th century rowing coach, Harry Emerson "Dad" Vail of the University of Wisconsin. He was held in such fond regard by the Penn founders, Lev Bret and `Rusty' Callow, that they named the regatta for him. The Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee (DVRPC) runs the event. DVROC is a non profit organization under the rules of the IRS. Almost 200 volunteers make the event happen annually.
