Temple University Athletics
Temple Men's Crew To Be Represented at 2008 Olympic Games
6.27.08 | Men's Crew
June 27, 2008
PHILADELPHIA-The Temple University crew program will be represented once again at the Olympic Games as three former rowers will compete in the Summer Games held in Beijing while another alumnus will be part of the Under 23 USA Team competing in Austria.
Marcus McElhenney, a 2003 Temple graduate, will serve as the coxswain for the USA Mens Eight in Beijing while Jason Read (02), who was a member of the gold-medal-winning Mens Eight at the 2004 Olympic Games will be an alternate for that shell.
We are very proud that two of our alums have been selected to represent the US at the 2008 Olympic Games thus keeping the tradition of Temple rower's on the US National Team alive, Temple head coach Gavin White said. Both Marcus and Jason exemplify all that is good about both Temple University and it's rowing program. They have both had to battle all of their careers to get to the top. Anyone who has had the pleasure of meeting these two guys, whether at Temple or on the national rowing scene, can attest that they are both very special individuals. Now everyone associated with Temple University can watch with great anticipation as they carry the Temple banner to Beijing.Sean Casey, a 2001 Temple graduate, will be a member of the Irish National Team in Beijing.
Sean is one of the most driven and hard working rowers that I have ever coached, White said. Again, not a really big guy compared to most Olympic rowers but God is he tough! A great oarsman but an even better person.
In addition, 2008 graduate Sam Cunningham won the selection trials for the US National Under 23 squad in the lightweight single. He will be competing in July in Austria.
Sam Cunningham is a very driven individual. He has a very engaging personality and a heart as big as his body, White said.Often outweighed by his competition by as much as 60 pounds he persisted until he achieved a seat in the varsity heavyweight boat. His winning the lightweight single trials only furthered my feeling that Sam has always had a heavyweight heart inside that lightweight body of his! Again, a very special young man, Sam will proudly get to carry the Temple banner to Austria this summer.
Temple Owls are indeed everywhere!
