The Crimson Blade - Vol 6 (FSJPR) by Joe Kieffer

THE

CRIMSON BLADE WINTER 2015

A LETTER FROM JOE KIEFFER PRESIDENT – FRIENDS OF ST. JOSEPH PREP ROWING

A Promising Future In less than a few weeks, Prep Crew will be entering into its 90th year since it first took to the water of the Schuylkill River. We have a proud tradition of sportsmanship, producing ‘men for others’ …. and winning. This tradition continues under the leadership of Coach Glavin ’65 and his accomplished coaching staff. The 2015 spring and fall seasons just completed, with several notable victories, including a Catholic League championship, Flick-Horvat series sweep point trophy, and a dominant performance at Cities. At Stotesbury we saw the lightweight, JV and freshman eights stepping out of their boats for their gold medals. Several other boats, including the Varsity 8 and Varsity 4 made grand final appearances. The strong performance continued at scholastic and national schools regatta. Now that the leaves have fallen, the attention has shifted from boats to ergs, readying the team for a mid-February shove. Winter training builds the mental toughness to win races in the spring. A special thanks to Coach Jim Glavin ’65 and his entire coaching staff for their time and energy in teaching the team the values of hard work, discipline, respect, humility and a winning drive.

" Your loyal support is one of the reasons our boys go fast"

The Newsletter for Alumni & Friends of St. Joseph's Prep Rowing

04 Class Day Recap

Published 3 times a year

06 Fall / Spring Results

President Joe Kieffer '84

Friends of St. Joseph’s Prep Rowing (FSJPR) continues to make an impact on Prep crew and position our boys for success. The FSJPR mission is to create a formal social network which engages Prep rowing alumni/friends. Throughout the year we will provide communication via social media, emails and newsletters, and social events. We will also undertake preserving the legacy of Prep rowing and support and motivate current Prep rowers. Over the few past years, FSJPR has been involved in fundraising that has generated over $50,000.

Vice President Tony Horvat '75

The FSJPR continues to grow and deliver upon its mission. On Saturday, November 28th, we gathered for our annual Alumni/ Class Day regatta at the Prep boathouse, sponsored by FSJPR and the parents of Prep Crew. We recognized five Prep alumni which represented the United States at world championships this past summer - Mike Gennaro ’07, Matt O’Donoghue ‘10, Lou Lombardi ’11, Coach Chris McElroy ‘84 and Coach Colin Farrell ’01. All have been added to the Prep rowing honor board, which is located in the Prep boathouse locker room. Also at this year’s Alumni / Class Day regatta, we christened two 4+ racing shells, the James P. Murray ’59 and Coxwains Rule, donated by Mace Thompson and joined by his classmates from 1959. A special thanks to Bob Protesto ‘04 and the Prep Crew parents for organizing the event. FSJPR is launching several fund raising events, including a campaign for a new freshman eight, named the Father Vincent Taggart SJ, and the Philadelphia Indoor Rowing Challenge erg race will be held on Saturday, January 30th to be held at the Prep, and a 90th year anniversary campaign. Please stay tuned for further details.

Crimson Blade Chief Editors Chris McElroy '84 Shawn Duff '04

This organization is only a few years old, we need your talents and treasure to help us continue on our mission and help it grow. Please consider becoming a member of FSJPR, as we will launch our annual membership campaign in January. Your annual membership fee of $25 will help fund many of these events and initiatives. We have lots of ideas and we need more people to step up and take the lead. If you would like to become involved in FSJPR, please contact me at jkieffer@email.com or 267-228-1341. Joe Kieffer ‘84 President – Friends of St. Joseph Prep Rowing WINTER 2015

Inside The Issue

Treasurer Rick Wegryn '82 Secretary Matthew Glaeser '02

FSJPR Governance Board Ray Antonini '71 Joe Backe '82 Bill Barker Shawn Duff '04 Bill Gennaro Sr '79 Larry Hennigan '81 Kevin Kelly '72 Harrison Kieffer '11 Dan Kilpartrick '94 Al Lawn Chris Markam JeanMarie Markam Chris McElroy '84 Kevin McGowan '91 Joe McHale Nick Morinigo '82 Mike Murphy '99 Don Powers '04 Kerry Quinn '06 George Schaefer '73

12 Q&A with Coach Glavin 15 Father Taggart SJ Boat Campaign 16 Remembering Ron 20 College Senior Q&A 28 Let's Get Involved

The highlight of the morning was the christening of two new 4+’s, the “James Murray” and “Coxswains Rule”. Jim Murray ’59 was honored to have a new shell named after him. Jim recently retired after serving as the Prep’s athletic director and soccer coach over the past 4 decades. Mace Thompson ’59 and classmates dedicated the 4+ “Coxswains Rule”. Also honored were Prep rowing alumni who have represented the USA this past year. Mike Gennaro ’07, Lou Lombardi ’11, Matt O’Donoghue ‘10, and coaches Chris McElroy ’84 and Colin Farrell ‘01 were inducted on the Prep Rowing Honor Board. The morning’s festivities concluded with the 500 meter Alumni Race. For the 3rd straight year, the class of 2012 took home the Vince Dougherty Cup after out-rowing 5 other alumni boats and the current Prep V8.

2015 ANNUAL CLASS DAY REGATTA

A giant thank you to all who came out and made the morning special. We look forward to seeing you next year!

Become A Member

Friends of St. Joseph’s Prep Rowing hosted the Annual Class Day Regatta at the Prep Boathouse on Saturday, November 28th. It was an unseasonably warm morning as over 150 alumni, parents, current rowers, and friends met at the boathouse. The morning’s festivities opened with words from FSJPR President Joe Kieffer ’84 and Head Coach Jim Glavin. Coach Glavin unveiled a new plaque that will be hung in the boathouse in honor of the Class of ’55, the first Stotesbury Champion 8 in Prep Crew History. Four members of the boat were present and honored.

Friends of St. Joseph's Prep

Rowing

Before 2004 & Friends Classes 2004 – 2007 Classes 2008 - 2012

$25 $15 Free

* Please use for dues and member info only

Personal Information (Please print clearly) Name

Class Year/Last Crew Year

City State

Please send payment in the envelope provided to: Friends of St. Joseph’s Prep Rowing St. Joseph’s Preparatory School 1733 W. Girard Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19130

Address

Home Phone

WINTER 2015

Membership Dues *

Zip Code Mobile Phone

OR Pay online at: http://my.sjprep.org/s/80/index. aspx?sid=80&pgid=1004&gid= 1&cid=3473&ecid=3473&post _id=0

Fall Results

7. St. Joseph’s Prep 43. St. Joseph’s Prep 60. St. Joseph’s Prep

13:57.72 15:27.938 17:01.04

Varsity 4+: 1. St. Paul’s 14:40.81 2. Saugatuck 14:51.31 Navy Day 50th Head of the Charles 3. Lawrenceville 15:04.13 Philadelphia, PA Boston-Cambridge, MA 16:04.08 Saturday, October 10th Sunday, October 18th 23. St. Joseph’s Prep Varsity 4x: 1. New Canaan 13:46.73 Junior 4+ (85 entries): 2. New Canaan 14:18.72 1. RV Kreuzgasse 17:13.23 Junior 4+ 3. Malvern 14:19.67 2. Nobles 17:22.78 1. Port Rowing 14:40.77 22. St. Joseph’s Prep 15:22.89 3. Brunswick 17:25.03 2. St. Joseph’s Prep 14:47.97 29. St. Joseph’s Prep 18:09.15 3. Haverford School 14:54.45 Varsity 8+: 1. Brunswick 12:56.90 Junior 8+: Junior 4x: 2. Winchester 13:10.14 1. Marin 15:00.00 1. Amadeusz Academy 14:08.71 3. Fordham Prep 13:11.77 2. Oakland Strokes 15:11.27 2. Navesink 14:26.48 16. St. Joseph’s Prep 13:45.25 3. CRI 15:23.85 3. Haverford School 14:38.94 30. St. Joseph’s Prep 14:09.48 63. St. Joseph’s Prep 16:57.41 7. St. Joseph’s Prep 14:55.77 Directors Quad (36 entries): Alumni 8+: Varsity 8+: 1. Narragansett 16:19.27 1. First State A 13:51.82 1. Montclair 13:12.77 2.OA Centers for Orthopaedics 16:27.44 2. College Boat Club 14:07.01 2. St. Augustine 13:23.72 3. Cambridge Boat Club 16:38.49 3. Syracuse 14:12.63 3. St. Joseph’s Prep 13:31.16 33. St. Joseph’s Prep 20.02.30 15. St. Joseph’s Prep A 15:14.74 10. St. Joseph’s Prep 14:10.29 (composite with Royal Shrewsbury Boat Club) 21. St. Joseph’s Prep 15:25.95 Junior 8+ 1. LaSalle A 2. Christian Brothers 3. St. Joseph’s Prep 9. St. Joseph’s Prep 26. St. Joseph’s Prep

13:26.27 13:56.30 13:56.39 14:52.75 17:37.93

Head of the Schuylkill Philadelphia, PA Sunday, October 25th Freshmen/Novice 8+: 1. St. Joseph’s Prep 15:15.45 2. Saugatuck 15:23.71 3. Saratoga 15.25.65 35. St. Joseph’s Prep 18:08.66 42. St. Joseph’s Prep 19:17.19 43. St. Joseph’s Prep 19:23.06 Junior 8+: 1. Brunswick 13:34.19 2. Chaminade 13:48.66 3. Montclair 13:48.69

WINTER 2015

Head of the Fish Saratoga, NY Sunday, November 1st Freshmen/Novice 8+: 1. Saratoga 12:21.85 2. Niskayuna 12:46.34 3. Chaminade 12.54.09 12. St. Joseph’s Prep 14:49.07

8. St. Joseph’s Prep

13:03.70

Junior 4+: 1. Greenwich 12:35.59 2. St. Joseph’s Collegiate 12:37.09 3. Wayland-Weston 12:40.96 40. St. Joseph’s Prep 15:54.03 Junior/4th 8+: 1. Chaminade 12:03.58 2. Chaminade 12:52.10 3. Saratoga 13:03.22 5. St. Joseph’s Prep 13:04.75 Junior/3rd 8+: 1. Chaminade 2. St. Joseph’s Prep 3. Greenwhich

11:57.10 11:57.98 12:07.98

Junior 8+: 1. Loyla 2. CRI 3. Wayland-Weston 6. St. Joseph’s Prep

11:35.80 11:42.71 11:49.97 12:02.61

Varsity 4+: 1. CRI 11:40.31 2. Bromfield 11:42.30 3. Canisius 11:52.44 23. St. Joseph’s Prep 12:43.12 Varsity 8+: 1. Chaminade 2. CRI 3. Northfield Mount Hermon 11. St. Joseph’s Prep

11:05.70 11:11.03 11:12.17 11:31.26

Freshmen/Novice Junior 8+: 1. South Niagara 12:07.33 2. Christian Brothers 12:46.20 3. Wayland-Weston 12.46.82 7

Spring Results

First Manny Flick Philadelphia, PA Sunday March 22nd, 2015

Novice 8+ A & B: SECOND and fifth Freshmen 8+: FIRST JV 4+ A: FIRST JV 4+ B: SECOND JV 8+ A: FIRST JV 8+ B: FIRST LWT 4+: FIRST LWT 8+: FIRST Varsity 4+ B: FIRST Varsity 4+ A: FIRST Varsity 8+: SECOND

Fourth Manny Flick Philadelphia, PA Sunday April 12th, 2015

Novice 8+ A: Novice 8+ B: Freshmen 8+: JV 4+ A: JV 4+ B: JV 8+ A: JV 8+ B: LWT 4+: LWT 8+: Varsity 4+ A & B: Varsity 8+:

SECOND Fourth THIRD THIRD Fifth Fourth Fourth FIRST FIRST in HWT8 FIRST & fourth FIRST

Third Manny Flick Philadelphia, PA Sunday March 29th, 2015

Fifth Manny Flick Philadelphia, PA Sunday April 19th, 2015

Novice 8+ A & B: FIRST and Fourth Freshmen 8+: FIRST JV 4+ A: FIRST JV 4+ B: THIRD JV 8+ A: SECOND JV 8+ B: SECOND LWT 4+: FIRST LWT 8+: SECOND Varsity 4+ A & B: FIRST & SECOND Varsity 8+: SECOND

Noxontown Regatta St. Andrew’s, DE Saturday April 18th, 2015 Varsity 8+: 1. Kent 4:16.1 2. Gonzaga 4:17.3 3. Dallas Jesuit 4:20.7 4. St. Joseph’s Prep 4:21.7 Lightweight 8+: 1. St. Joseph’s Prep 2. Dallas Jesuit

4:28.3 4:34.4

2nd Varsity 8+: 1. Kent 4:33.1 2. Gonzaga 4:34.7 3. Dallas Jesuit 4:35.8 4. St. Joseph’s Prep 4:50.6

2. St. Joseph’s Prep 3. St. Andrew’s School

5:25.5 5:30.1

Varsity 4+: 1. St. Joseph’s Prep 5:15.7 2. St. Joseph’s Prep 5:24.9 3. Gonzaga 5:30.3 2nd Varsity 4+: 1. Gonzaga A 2. Gonzaga B 3. St. Joseph’s Prep

5:34.7 5:46.4 6:05.0

3rd Varsity 8+: Headraces: Novice 8+ A & B: 10th & 18th Freshmen 8+: SECOND JV 4+: 21st JV 8+ A & B: 4th and 10th Sprint Races: LWT 4+: LWT 8+: 2nd Varsity 8+: Varsity 4+ A: Varsity 8+:

Fifth FIRST THIRD THIRD FIRST

1. St. Joseph’s Prep 4:36.9 2. Gonzaga 4:41.3 3. Kent 4:47.3 4th Varsity 8+: 1. St. Joseph’s Prep 5:01.6 2. Gonzaga 5:06.8 3. Thomas Jefferson 5:24.9 Freshmen 8+: 1. Dallas Jesuit 4:57.9 2. Gonzaga 5:02.4 3. St. Joseph’s Prep 5:03.4 2nd Freshmen 8+: 1. Gonzaga 5:24.7

WINTER 2015

Spring Results Continued

National School’s Championship Fairfax, VA June 7th

Philadelphia City Championships Philadelphia, PA Sunday May 1st, 2015

Headraces: Novice 8+ B: 12th JV 4+ B: 21st LWT 2x: 9th Varsity 1x: 12th Varsity 2x: 16th Finals Freshman 4+: Fourth Novice 8+: Sixth Freshmen 8+: THIRD JV 4+: Fifth

Stotesbury Philadelphia, PA May 15th-16th

Headraces: Lightweight 2x: 19th Varsity 2x: 17th Varsity 1x: 26th Semi-finals: Junior 4+: Sixth Junior 4x: Sixth

WINTER 2015

SRAA Championships Camden, NJ May 22nd-23rd Grand Finals Freshmen 8+: 1. St. Joseph’s Prep 5:07.48 2. Montclair 5:11.76 3. Christian Brothers 5:13.37 Junior 8+: 1. St. Joseph’s Prep 2. James Madison 3. St. Augustine

4:45.25 4:46.13 4:47.71

Lightweight 8+ 1. St. Joseph’s Prep 4:46.12 2. LaSalle 4:51.78 3. Radnor 4:54.08 Lightweight 4+ 1. E.L. Crossely 2. Father Judge 3. Denis Morris 5. St. Joseph’s Prep Varsity 4+: 1. Episcopal 2. St. Joseph’s Prep 3. Bishop O’Connell

5:17.32 5:17.45 5:20.12 5:28.98 5:09.14 5:11.43 5:12.85

Varsity 8+: 1. Gonzaga 4:31.79 2. Winter Park 4:34.28 3. St. Albans 4:34.68 6. St. Joseph’s Prep 5:55.82

Heats: Junior 4+: Fifth

Semi-finals: Junior 8+: Fifth LWT 4+: Fifth Varsity 4+: Third Heats: Junior 4+: Fifth

Semi-finals: Junior 8+: Fifth LWT 4+: Fifth Varsity 4+: Third Freshmen 8+: 1. New Trier 2. Central Catholic 3. St. Joseph’s Prep

4:44.36 4:46.95 4:48.09

Lightweight 8+: 1. Belen Jesuit 2. St. Joseph’s Prep 3. La Salle

4:27.17 4:31.67 4:36.33

Varsity 8+: 1. Gonzaga 2. St. Albans 3. Winter Park 4. St. Joseph’s Prep

4:19.94 4:21.10 4:25.57 4:25.62

Freshmen 8+: 1. St. Joseph’s Prep 2. South County

4:53.6 5:10.27

3rd Varisty 8+: 1. Jefferson 2. St. Joseph’s Prep

4:42.7 4:48.19

2nd Varsity 8+: 1. St. Joseph’s Prep 4:27.80 2. Brunswick 4:30.26 3. Salisbury 4:31.38 Lightweight 4+: 1. Dublin School 2. WJ Crew 3. St. Joseph’s Prep

4:59.92 5:03.20 5:05.14

Varsity 2x: 1. James River 5:19.50 2. St. Joseph’s Prep 5:27.62 3. Hylton 5:32.95 Varsity 8+: 1. Salisbury 4:19.20 2. St. Joseph’s Prep 4:23.17 3. Brunswick 4:25.17

On The Clock with Coach Glavin.

The Crimson Blade reached out to Head Coach Jim Glavin ’65 for a quick Q&A. What follows is a summary of our discussion with him.

FSJPR COULD YOU SUMMARIZE THE 2015 SPRING RESULTS FOR OUR READERS?

FSJPR HOW WOULD YOU RATE THE 2015 FALL’S PERFORMANCE?

JG Overall we had a good season for the entire squad with the highlights being: • Catholic Title • City Title • Flick Points Trophy • Stotesbury Champions; Lightweight, JV and Frosh

JG The team worked very hard this fall and improved themselves technically and got a lot of miles and strokes in, especially in small boats. Also, for the first time the Frosh got considerable water time3X per week for 2 months, which it a major plus getting them prepared for the spring. From a racing standpoint, we faced several adversities among the varsity boats throughout the 4 weeks of racing. Two of the varsity lightweights had mono and several of the varsity heavyweights had respiratory infections, so both boats performances weren’t where we expected. The younger boats did quite well and that bodes well for their future.

FSJPR DO YOU HAVE ANY WORDS FOR OUR READERS ABOUT THE VARSITY 8’S EXPERIENCE AT STOTESBURY? JG We caught a back break going into the finals. We felt after the first race and the semi’s, that we’d have a good shot at Gonzaga and certainly a medal but an injury forced an unusual decision for the final. One of the guys had a recurrence of serious concussion symptoms that were exacerbated by the heat and the intense racing in the semi. When we realized that he couldn’t race, it was too late to substitute and rather than scratch, the crew asked to explore with the official to see if they could at least row over the course since they had qualified for the final. The officials agreed to a row over as part of the final. I was very proud of their support and concern for their teammate. WINTER 2015

FSJPR WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE PROGRAMS STRENGTHS, OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES? JG We have a relatively large and young squad (45 juniors and sophomores) with 63 guys on the varsity team and 40 Frosh signed up for the Spring, which is not bad based on 800+ total enrollment and with multiple, successful spring sports for Prep students to choose from. There are seats open at every boat level. We graduated all 8 varsity heavyweights and 2 of the varsity lightweights so there are multiple 13

opportunities in the varsity boats. There are 20 sophomores to compete for the JV8, which will be looking to defend their Stotesbury win. The challenges for our rowers will always be demanding academics and dynamic engagements (community service, theater, etc.)

pion and competitor at the World Cup • Dan Kilpartick ’94 (Frosh Coach / Moderator) – Dad Vail champion and Coach of multiple Frosh Stotesbury Cup champions • John Pichola – (Assistant Frosh Coach) – Prep and University of Delaware varsity team member • Mike LaChant ’10 (Assistant Frosh Coach / Admissions) - undefeated SJP varsity lightweight and Captain of University of Delaware’s Varsity Lights, 2015 FSJPR COULD YOU PROVIDE OUR READERS WITH A 2016 OUTLOOK? JG We’re a young squad that should improve throughout the season. FSJPR ANY PARTING WORDS FOR OUR READERS?

A major strength is our coaching staff; its talent, background, age and diversity. We return: • Sean Clarke (Varsity Lightweights); coached at 2015 World Rowing Championships

JG I want to thank everyone for their support and encouragement. I’d like, especially, to invite all of our alums to come down for a practice and meet the guys and see the team row. The boys get really excited when the rowing alums come back and they look forward to interacting with them and listening their rowing stories and advice. “The door is always open.”

‘Father Taggart SJ' Freshman Eight Boat Campaign We need your financial support in the purchasing of a new freshman eight racing shell. The cost of the shell is just over $30,000. Equipping our boys with the latest equipment will provide them the best chance of being successful against stiff competition. There is a long winning tradition of the Prep freshman eight, including last year’s Stotebury Regatta win. This effort can only be achieved through the generosity of alumni, parents and friends of Prep rowing.

• Bob Madden ’64 (JV8 Coach); National Champion, US Junior Team coach and former Head Coach; Groton School • John Strotbeck (2V & V4 Coach); multiple national champion and a National and Olympic Team rower • TJ Garrity ’11 (JV4’s Coach); University of Pennsylvania senior, undefeated SJP varsity lightweight, former lightweight rower at Penn • Peter Alter (Scullers); Lightweight national chamWINTER 2015

Taggart SJ could always been seen on the banks of the Schuylkill. The new freshman eight will be launched in the Spring 2016 – in time for the racing season.

If you had Father Taggart SJ as a teacher or rowed freshman year - click here to make your donation ->

www.sjprep.org/taggart The freshman eight racing shell will be named after Father Vincent J Taggart SJ – one of Prep crew’s biggest supporters. During his tenure at the Prep, that span three decades, he was best know for his freshman history class and counseling . Father

Or send donations to : St. Joseph’s Prep Development Office – Taggart Boat Campaign 1733 W Girard Avenue Philadelphia PA 19103 15

FSJPR HOW DID YOU KNOW RON AND WHEN DID YOU GUYS STRIKE UP A FRIENDSHIP? JM I came to know Ron that first day of class freshman year in September 1967. He would sit two seats behind in me in our homeroom class of 1G. From day one his outgoing personality made him the natural leader in the class and well respected by all. We were friends that first year for sure but the friendship truly became life long once he and a couple of other upper classmen coerced me to go out for the crew my sophomore year.

REMEMBERING RON The Crimson Blade learned that Ron Pilot, ‘71 and Prep Crew alum had passed after a year-long fight with prostate cancer on November 2, 2014.

were there for him throughout his illness, taking him to medical appointments, bringing him food, visiting and in the end, nursing. Their support and love contributed to his quality of life immeasurably. His big personality will be sorely missed.

Ron was born May 6, 1953. He graduated from St. Joe's Prep in 1971 and from the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business, in 1975. He is survived by his daughter Katie, former spouse, Vivian, stepson, Michael, and is predeceased by his daughter, Maggie.

See more at: http://www.legacy.com/ obituaries/unionleader/obituary. aspx?pid=173057040#sthash.pg6EjcMw.dpuf

The New Hampshire Union Leaders said that Ron had a wide circle of friends that he met in high school and college. These same friends WINTER 2015

One of Ron’s close friends and Prep Crew buddies is Jim Moroney, ‘71. The Crimson Blade had featured Jim in the past and we reconnected with him, rather Jim reconnected with us, to provide some reflections. Jim had also reached out to some of other Prep Crew alumnae to solicit input and reactions to the questions that follow.

Once we began rowing together in the fall of 1968 we would go on to spend eleven months of the year rowing together and then a relaxing the last three weeks of August at Ron’s parents home in Ocean City and Longport, NJ, before going back to school. The days were spent surfing, playing beach volleyball, and water skiing (coincidently the last two with Prep math teacher Mr. Dugan) and the nights eating everything in sight on the boardwalk. Those were the days, which I still vividly remember. It was a wonderful final three years at the Prep for both of us. Ron was co-captain of the Prep crew our senior year and he was a driving force of the teams success our last two years. We had the good fortune of coming in 4th in the Schoolboy National’s varsity 8 in 1971 and then being members of two Junior National Teams placing 4th in Ioannina, Greece & 6th in Bled, Yugoslavia in 1970 and 1971 respectively (both of those in the 4+). I should note Ron showed his versatility in switching to port for just that summer in 1970 and then again back to starboard in 1971. FSJPR HOW HAS YOUR FRIENDSHIP ENDURED WELL PAST GRADUATION? HOW DID IT EXTEND PAST ROWING? JM As fate would have it, Ron and I both would attend Penn and row together another two years and be roommates all four years through college. After

Penn, I would go on to settle in the Boston area and Ron remained in Philadelphia. After not seeing each other for much of four years, Ron came to visit me for what was to be a week in 1979. He ended up not going home, but staying in New England for over 30 years. His many friends and family in Philadelphia probably never forgave me. He attended my wedding and I his, I introduced him to his wife. His two daughters were just a couple months different in age from mine. We shared many children’s birthday parties and weekends at the beach with our families. We also shared the sad early death of his oldest daughter Maggie just 12 days shy of her 6th birthday. I regret not seeing Ron more in the last few years of his life, since he had moved backed to Philadelphia in 2011. I last saw him in mid September of 2014, while struggling with the later stages of the cancer that would eventually take his life. Remarkably, he never lost his wonderful sense of humor despite his painful conditions at the end. He made us all laugh. I am glad to say I was able to spend so many fabulous experiences over my 47 years of knowing Ron. It was truly a lifelong friendship that began that first day freshman year at the Prep. FSJPR CAN YOU SHARE ANY OF HIS EXPERIENCES THAT YOU FEEL WERE IMPACTED OR SHAPED BY HIS EXPERIENCES BY TIME SPENT IN THE BOAT OR IN THE CLASSROOM? JM Instead of rambling on here with endless stories I will try and be succinct in answering your question. I believe I can best sum up 47 years of limitless experiences of life’s ups and downs that we shared as follows. I visited Ron a couple of months after his diagnoses in early January of 2014 and as an avid reader his whole life, I brought him the best seller “The Boys in the Boat” as a gift. I knew he would appreciate it as a great human-interest story that happen to revolve around rowing. Like the book, rowing was the glue that had bonded our friendship as well as, I’m sure, the myriad of other untold stories connected to the sport that we’ve all never heard 17

about. This was a symbol of “our” untold story. It was my way acknowledging a lifelong friendship that I would have difficulty putting in words. I was not the writer or linguist that he was. I knew he would understand as well as all of you who have pulled an oar in competition. FSJPR DO YOU HAVE ANY INTERESTING OR AMUSING ANECDOTES YOU CARE TO SHARE?

not ten years but more like four hours and bruised egos. However, still today the story provides endless laughs for all us Argonauts.” Terry O'Leary, ’71 - Varsity Crew Member (and a classmate at Penn with Ron as well) FSJPR CAN YOU TELL US ONE THING THAT OUR READERS MUST KNOW ABOUT RON?

“How can you forget Ronny, body of an offensive lineman, attired in a rubber suit, sweating profusely, but leading, barking and pushing teammates up Lemon Hill (the loop across from boathouse row). Elite athletes have a huge tolerance for pain, great leaders like Ronny help their teammates pull together and excel as a unit.” Tom Leahy,’71 - Varsity Crew Member

JM Ron had many wonderful traits. In my opinion his personality was truly effervescent. He was the ambassador. He was always there to help friends and he had a giant heart. This was not lost sight of by those many friends. Nothing exemplifies this more than when I spoke with Ron’s family after his passing and they all marveled that in the last 6 weeks of Ron’s life that there were so many friends at Ron’s side everyday they had to practically schedule visits. Even though he had long lost his appetite, the food supplied was endless. On my last visit he laughed at the fact that he could not even eat. They just wanted to help like he had always done.

Whenever I was on or around the Schuylkill, visions of ancient times came to mind. Maybe it was the view of the Art Museum at night, the beautiful foliage, art all along the drive, or the sculpture we believed to depict the Harpies.

Another point worth noting to this audience, is the fact of how proud Ron was to be on the Prep’s National Team Honor Board and to be invited to its unveiling. I was also proud to accompany Ron that evening as well!

JM For this question I solicited some assistance from a couple of fellow classmates and Prep Crew members. Both have been great friends of Ron his whole life.

“Ron’s sense of humor comes to mind. He reveled at reciting verbatim Monty Python and always with the appropriate British accent. And then there was that infamous Boston Whaler boat ride in search of the rumored nudist colony beach at Sunshine Park, New Jersey. A few of us felt like the crew of the Argo embarking on a great adventure. Ron as the captain of the boat was definitely Jason. We were all hoping to be taken captive by Sirens. Orpheus did not have to play his lyre to save us from the Siren’s song as he did Jason and his men. Our intervention that afternoon came from the US Coast Guard, who towed us back for every practical boating violation known. Boston Whalers may be unsinkable, but the numbers in our crew nearly swamped one. Our voyage was

WINTER 2015

TOO EARLY FOR

JOIN US FOR THE INAUGURAL PHILADELPHIA INDOOR ROWING CHALLENGE SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2016 A unique opportunity, in Philadelphia, to race at 20min or, if you're up for it, enter the Philly Challenge 20' piece + a 2K, + a 500m sprint - best avg. splits wins!

Where: Kelly Fieldhouse – 1733 W. Girard Ave. Philadelphia PA 19130 Races: 20 minutes , 2,000 meter, 1,500 meter and 1,000 meter events Event Categories: Open, College, LWT, Jr/High School, Middle School, Masters, Dragon Boat, Club, Cross-fit How: Register on Regatta Central – www.regattacentral.com

A Portion of the Proceeds Benefit Project Home

COLLEGE SENIOR Q&A

Dean Hill SJP ’11, Drexel University ‘16

FSJPR: What is your major at Drexel and what have you been up to post-collegiate rowing eligibility? I am currently in my last year of a 5-year program at Drexel University studying a combined major of business and engineering. This major will prepare for a very wide variety of potential jobs post-grad forming the basis for jobs in the field of business, construction management, engineering, and many others. Along with finishing my studies at Drexel, I am also working with the Drexel crew team coaching walk-on rowers FSJPR: How did SJP prepare you athletically and academically for Drexel? The Prep did an excellent job preparing me for my experiences at Drexel University both academically and athletically. Drexel has a very highly renowned engineering program and a rapidly growing and developing business program. The rigorous AP Physics, Calculus, Statistics, and English classes I had the opportunity to take at SJP allowed me to start my college education WINTER 2015

one leg up on many students, providing me with a solid background in college level material and allowing me to test out of several of the introductory level courses at Drexel. Additionally, the level of high demand and performance I experienced while competing for the Prep crew team gave me a drive for constant improvement, both athletically and academically, which allowed me to be a major part in the rise of the Drexel rowing team which has been steadily developing from a regular underdog into a top tier program, ranking in the top 20 in the nation for each of the past 4 years FSJPR: What was your favorite race at SJP? During my 4 years competing for the SJP team, a number of races still burn in my memory as if I were still racing in them today, from driving through the icing sleet at the Head of the Charles in Boston, to pushing my physical limits at the Stotesbury Cup or SRAAs. However, one race, at the Henley Royal Regatta sticks out above all the others. In 2010 our Varsity 8+ reached the quarterfinals, though an Australian crew blew us off the line and developed a solid lead for the first half of the race. Our crew displayed the wellknown American resilience, fighting back after many thought we were down for the count, and finished triumphantly to continue onto the semifinals of one of the most highly respected rowing competitions in the world FSJPR: Who are your biggest influences in rowing? I have many influences throughout my rowing career, growing up in a rowing family and after participating in rowing for over 8 years. However, there are two major influences that helped develop the rower and man I have come to be. My father’s longstanding involvement in the sport of rowing was part of what originally got me to try out for the team at SJP. His advice, both as a coach and as a father, helped develop a constant drive to succeed as well as an inward view seeking to improve myself as both an oarsman and as a man. Secondly, the man who helped me find my rhythm as a stroke seat, improve my technique as an oarsman, and develop myself as a teammate and man for others - Coach Jim Glavin has had a major influence on me in my rowing career WINTER 2015

FSJPR: What are some of your Drexel rowing highlights, race results and favorite races? In my 4 years as a Drexel rower, I achieved quite a bit of success and accumulated an incredible catalog of racing experiences. However, my favorite race undoubtedly came my senior year at the Dad Vail Regatta. Racing in the V4+ we were the third boat at Drexel but were competing against a lot of other programs top or 2nd boat. Though we went in with a high ranking, everyone in the boat knew it would be extremely challenging to make the final let alone win or medal in the event, and it had been quite some time since Drexel had a V4+ achieve as much. With a bit of luck and a whole lot of effort, we qualified for the final where we sprinted the entire 2000 meters, leading the majority of the race only to be edged out in a photo finish by the top boat of the Canadian Brock University by .2 seconds. Though it wasn’t gold, we achieved far more than even those of us in the boat thought possible and it was one heck of a race

Harrison Kieffer ’11, Mercyhurst University ‘15

FSJPR: What was your major at Mercyhurst and what have you been up to post graduation? At Mercyhurst I majored in intelligence studies and information technology with a minor in political science. I have been working as a cyber-intelligence analyst focused on the financial sector

FSJPR: How did SJP prepare you athletically and academically for Mercyhurst? The Prep was extremely difficult but a great work ethic was instilled in me and I was able to capitalize on trimester system at MU and graduate early with a double major and minor. The work ethic developed at the Prep has allowed me to excel so much at Mercyhusrt that I was granted an opportunity to study at the University of Cambridge this past summer and write a thesis on cyber-intelligence. The Prep also enabled me to hit the ground running with rowing FSJPR: What was your major at Mercyhurst and what have you been up to post graduation? At Mercyhurst I majored in intelligence studies and information technology with a minor in political science. I have been working as a cyber-intelligence analyst focused on the financial sector FSJPR: How did SJP prepare you athletically and academically for Mercyhurst? The Prep was extremely difficult but a great work ethic was instilled in me and I was able to capitalize on trimester system at MU and graduate early with a double major and minor. The work ethic developed at the Prep has allowed me to excel so much at Mercyhusrt that I was granted an opportunity to study at the University of Cambridge this past summer and write a thesis on cyber-intelligence. The Prep also enabled me to hit the ground running with rowing as I already had a strong athletic base and I was able capitalize on strong fundamental technique to take on the higher level of competition FSJPR: What was your favorite race at SJP? My favorite race was Stotesbury Cup my junior year when we made grand finals in the lightweight double after only rowing in the boat for 2 weeks. While coaching, Stotesbury Cup was also my favorite regatta as the three doubles I coached progressed out of the head race and two onto grand finals with the lightweight double winning silver FSJPR: Who are your biggest influences in rowing? My biggest influences in rowing would definitely be

Coach Glavin and my family. Coach Glavin gave me an opportunity to coach at the Prep on my gap year and this allowed me to learn so much about rowing and the professional world and helped me excel when I started rowing at Mercyhurst. My family is also a major influence in my rowing as I am a third generation rower. From rowing with family members and watching them race I have learned so much about the sport and been pushed to be the best athlete I can be FSJPR: What are some of your Mercyhurst rowing highlights, race results and favorite races? At Mercyhurst I won silver in the freshmen lightweight 8+ and a bronze with the varsity lightweight 8+ at Dad Vails. My favorite races were MACRA and Dad Vails in the varsity lightweight 8+ this past spring, because the boat overcame a fair amount of inner shell struggles to medal at both regattas, against strong fields, for the first time in three years

Evan Kolodziejczak ’11, United States Naval Academy ‘15 FSJPR: What was your major at Navy and what have you been up to post graduation? At the Academy I was an international relations major. Currently I am a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps at The Basic School in Quanico, Virginia FSJPR: How did SJP prepare you athletically and academically for Navy? 23

The Prep helped me most in understanding how to work with and trust people both academically and athletically. I never would have graduated the Academy if it was not for some of the people around me - the same is true for the Prep as well. Going to the Prep and especially rowing taught me how to be a good teammate and demand the most of myself for those around me

importantly I know that these two men have prepared me more so for success outside of rowing. FSJPR: What are some of your Delaware rowing highlights, race results and favorite races?

FSJPR: What was your favorite race at SJP? The race that sticks out to me the most at the Prep was the Catholic League Championship Race my junior year. LaSalle did not show to the line due to a protest and we were the only boat in the LWT8+ race. All we had to do was finish without sinking and we would have won, but the boat still rowed it as a piece and put down one of our fastest times on the course that we achieved in that boat FSJPR: Who are your biggest influences in rowing? My biggest influence in rowing was my freshman coach John Fife. In my moments of doubt, he showed me how to rise to an occasion and embrace the unpleasantness. I can honestly say that if it was not for him, I probably would not have rowed and would be in a very different place today FSJPR: What are some of your Navy rowing highlights, race results and favorite races? I was elected captain my senior year which was very humbling. I also managed to scrape up an EARC sprints win in the LWT 3V in 2013. Any race I got to race on the home course in Philly was always a memorable one and I never missed an opportunity to take a power ten at the 1000m mark whether or not that was a part of the race plan

Mike Lachant ’11,

University of Delaware ‘15

I majored in secondary social studies education at Delaware and accepted a position in the Prep's Alumni Service Corps. program where I am currently working in the Admissions Department FSJPR: How did SJP prepare you athletically and academically for Delaware? SJP prepared me extremely well. The coaching I received at St. Joe's gave me the necessary skills to make the Delaware Lightweight 1V my sophomore, junior, and senior year. Also the teachers at the Prep instilled in me a sense of independence, which gave me the self-awareness to take sole responsibility for my school work in college FSJPR: What was your favorite race at SJP?

FSJPR: Who are your biggest influences in rowing? My biggest influences in rowing are Coaches Glavin and Crawford. Obviously the success I have enjoyed within the sport is due to their coaching, but more

It was IDR 2009, and none of us except for our beloved John McGrorty wanted to go to the final. All eight of us wanted to be on the first ride back to the Shore. Despite every effort not to win the race, we found ourselves two lengths up on the nearest crew with 400 meters to go. Then, a miracle happened! In an instant, Ryan Connors’s oar dramatically released from its oarlock. All eight of began to chant, “Jump, Jump, Jump!” To the crew’s dismay, Connors refused to jump. By the time we crossed the line, two crews had made their way through us! FSJPR: Who are your biggest influences in rowing?

FSJPR: What was your major at Delaware and what have you been up to post graduation?

My favorite race at SJP occurred during my senior year when the Prep lightweight 8+ defeated the Kent School's heavyweight 2V. It felt like a true David and Goliath story

WINTER 2015

Two that stick out in my mind are the 4th place finish the lightweight 8+ earned at the Head of the Charles and our duel victory over Harvard my senior year. If I was told my freshman year that those goals would have been accomplished before graduating, I wouldn't have believed it. The team has come such a long way.

Perhaps surprising to some, my favorite race at The Prep is not winning Stotes or a race at Henley. Rather, my favorite race is Independence Day Regatta 2009. This race epitomes both the love of rowing and absolute fun every Prep rower experiences.

Lou Lombardi ’11,

University of Pennsylvania ‘15 FSJPR: What was your major at UPenn and what have you been up to post graduation? At the University of Pennsylvania I studied psychology and consumer psychology. This July, I started my professional career with Sunoco Inc. as a member of their Management Development Program FSJPR: How did SJP prepare you athletically and academically for UPenn? Upon arriving at Penn, I understood that in order to be successful in the classroom and on the water, I needed to be organized, meticulous, and decisive. The Prep prepared me in this way academically. Athletically, I carried over the same team camaraderie that I experienced at the Prep to Penn Crew. FSJPR: What was your favorite race at SJP?

Coaches John Fife, Jim Glavin, and Greg Myhr inspire me to continue coxing. Coach Fife sparked my initial interest. He taught me how to be a fiery, respected jockey. The day I jumped into the river to retrieve Ryan Connors’s spacer was the same day Coach Fife realized that I had what it takes. Coach Glavin taught me the technical art of rowing. Through Coach Glavin’s mentorship, I learned to balance technical and motivation coxing. Finally, Coach Myhr is like a second father to me. He taught me the invaluable lessons of responsibility, ownership, and leadership. He guided me into the coxswain I am off the water FSJPR: What are some of your UPenn rowing highlights, race results and favorite races? Claiming two consecutive wins against Northeastern was an unreal experience, but one race that I will always remember is the 2015 IRA semi-final. The semi, a six boat race, quickly developed into a duel. Penn and BU raced the course - seat for seat. In the battle, every word was exchanged between the crews. Unfortunately, BU was victorious. But that experience defines my love and addiction for rowing. Rowing is special because in a boat race, you experience a whirlwind of emotions, and your only concern is the men in the boat! After the completion of the race, the official reprimanded both crews. That was just perfect! If you are not in either shell, you will never understand. On the dock, my crew congratulated 25

BU crew on their victory. That vast contrast between race behavior and on the dock behavior is the reality of battling and sportsmanship. All ill will is left on the racecourse, and sportsmanship prevails.

John McGrorty ’11, Cornell University ‘15

FSJPR: What was your favorite race at SJP? At the Prep my two favorite races that I had the pleasure of being a part of both happened during my 2010 season. Coming from a length down to win the Stotesbury Cup Regatta by open water is one of my hands down favorite races. Also our quarterfinal race that summer at the Henley Royal Regatta where we walked through the Australian crew Melbourne Grammar School is one I love to think about FSJPR: Who are your biggest influences in rowing? My biggest influences in rowing have always been my family. My parents and sisters have supported me and have been at each and every one of my races cheering for both the Prep and Cornell. This has helped push me to do my best in our sport. The other individual that has guided me, supported me and mentored me in the sport of rowing has always been Coach Al Lawn. His guidance and knowledge of rowing have been incredibly influential on me.

FSJPR: What was your major at Cornell and what have you been up to post graduation? At Cornell University I studied industrial and labor relations and wrote for the Cornell Daily Sun. I received a job offer from Nike prior to graduation, and soon after graduation from Cornell I moved crosscountry to Portland, Oregon to work in global procurement at Nike FSJPR: How did SJP prepare you athletically and academically for Cornell? SJP is an incredible academic and athletic institution, as well as a truly special place. I still reflect on my time there with extreme admiration and fondness. The Prep does an outstanding job at helping to prepare its oarsmen both in the classroom and on the water. The oarsmen leave prepared to succeed. Furthermore, the Prep's ability to mold oarsmen into men of character and conviction is second to none. The Prep helped lay a great deal of the foundation that allowed me to succeed academically and athletically at Cornell University. This is why the Prep is such a remarkably special place WINTER 2015

FSJPR: How did SJP prepare you athletically and academically for Delaware? The Prep did an amazing job in preparing me for both. Rowing at SJP taught me how to handle both the mental and physical challenges that come in collegiate rowing. Rowing at such a high level in high school made it much easier to get used to what is expected when rowing in college. I had a much easier time with the transition that a lot of other guys did. I think the most important skill I learned at Prep was time management. If you don’t have adequate time management being a student-athlete in college is near impossible. I was able to focus both on school and rowing because of the skills I developed at SJP

went up there with the goal to medal, and had a lot of doubters saying we didn’t have the ability to do it. We had a near perfect race we executed exactly how we wanted to. Leaving Boston with a medal was an incredible feeling. Another race that sticks out for a different reason was our duel with Rutgers junior year. The wind was so bad we were almost unable to race. White cap waves were crashing into the boat constantly even if we were not rowing or moving. We ended up winning by less that a second, and racing in such crazy conditions was just really fun.

FSJPR: What was your favorite race at SJP? This is a tough one, and I don’t think I can narrow it down to one race. I think my most memorable race would be winning Stotesbury cup sophomore year in the JV 8+. Going undefeated all year and topping it off with a Stotes win is something I will never forget. My favorite race would have to be HOSR junior year. Four guys got thrown together into a Varsity 4X last minute and we ended up getting 2nd place. Best part about it was we were late to the start so we had to cut through all the womens quads warming up to get to the start line in time, our bow man Joe was having a good time politely asking the women to please let us through. Our first 1000 meters of the race we were getting cheers from all the womens boats, we loved it FSJPR: Who are your biggest influences in rowing?

Rex Schilgen ’11,

University of Delaware ‘15 FSJPR: What was your major at Delaware and what have you been up to post graduation? At Delaware I was a finance major with a minor in economics. After graduation I accepted a job on the managed investments team at Bank of New York, Mellon. I work on the operational side doing trade support and account maintenance

This might sound cliché but I think my biggest influences were my teammates. Rowing is an incredibly tough sport for many different reasons. I know for a fact I would not have been able to get through the tough times without having amazing teammates. I was blessed to have such a good group of guys both at Prep and at Delaware. These are guys that I will be friends with for the rest of my life FSJPR: What are some of your Delaware rowing highlights, race results and favorite races? Again, this is a really tough one for me. I think if I had to choose one I would pick Head of The Charles senior year, rowing in the Heavyweight Varsity 8+. We 27

LET'S GET INVOLVED. Event Planner – FSJPR has several events

throughout the year and we need someone with strong organization and party planning skills. This includes annual alumni class day event, Summer Social and Regatta events.

Database Administration – One of the big-

FSJPR Career Connections – We are look-

ing for someone to create and lead the effort to connect graduating seniors and students looking for full time and summer internships. FSJPR volunteer will work with coaching staff on gathering resumes and identifying alumni with firms that have positions. Explore option of broadening to all alumni in the career transition.

logs, documents and preserves artifacts of Prep rowing for public display or achieves. Oversee the writing of a book on the history of Prep rowing – founded in 1926

Prep Alumni Rowing Gear Coordinator – Coordinate bi-annual FSJPR

Senior Gifts – As a thank you for four years of

gest challenges that FSJPR has is maintaining current contact information of its 2,000 alumni. We need someone with strong social media, IT skills and techniques to improve alumni contact information integrity.

Rowing gear offering to alumni and parents. Select vendor, items and promote through the web, social media etc

Class Captain – FSJPR is looking for class cap-

The Crimson Blade Editors / Writers

Communications / Social Media – We

Membership Chair – FSJPR annual spring

Assistant Treasurer – Assist in the adminis-

Fund Raising – Need committed individual to

tains for their respective class years and maintain alumni information, coordinate reunions, fund raising etc.

membership drive and bookkeeping of receipts. Creativity and persistent personality is needed.

Alumni Racing Coordinator – Identify,

field and entry various alumni race events – in regattas such as Head of the Schuylkill, Head of the Charles, Masters Henley (Canada and UK), Catholic League, etc. Organize practice, uniforms, entrance fees, etc.

WINTER 2015

– We need beat reporters to write about the team, our coaches and alumni and FSJPR happenings. The Crimson Blade is published a few times a year.

trative financial function of FSJPR . Work directly with the Prep finance office.

FSJPR Governance – Need a few executive board members to set direction, vision and prioritized initiatives for FSJPR. Need hands and active leadership in the above efforts.

Prep Crew Historian – Finds, gathers, cata-

need additional resources on the social media team to coordinate race broadcasts, website, Face book, Linked-in, Twitter, blog etc. IT skills and social media geeks are a plus.

help organize alumni fundraising targeted campaign. This is includes the brick campaign. Organizational skills, persistence, and the ability to ask for money are needed.

Assistant Summer Director – Need committed individual to help organize Summer Rowing.

rowing and a welcome to FSJPR, we organize a gift / recognition to the graduating seniors each year. Gifts are presented at awards banquet in May.

Boathouse Projects – We need more orga-

nized and lead boathouse beatification projects. This might include hanging pictures, plaques, banners, etc. Past projects include the honor board. Projects typically require creativity, draftsmanship and possibly work working skills.

Questions or if Interested? Please Contact: Joe Kieffer, FSJPR President, jkieffer@email.com 267-228 -1341

Get Connected THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA WITH PREP ROWING ALUMNI

Search on: “Friends of St. Joseph’s Prep Rowing” to join group

Purchase a NEW Concept II Ergometer Model D – PM5 Monitor St. Joseph’s Prep is purchasing 40 new ergs. These ergs will be used for 1 day of competition at the Philadelphia Indoor Rowing Challenge

http://www.facebook.com/StJoesPrepCrew www.facebook.com/StJoesPrepCrew Over 440 visitors to our Facebook Pages! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

If you bought directly from Concept II – your cost would be $950 ($900 + $50 shipping) You can purchase an erg for $800 and pick-up at the Prep after the event on Sunday, January 24. If you would like to reserve an erg , please send an email to philadelphiachallenge@gmail.com. For questions, please contact Joe Kieffer ’84 – 267-228-1341 / jkieffer@email.com

www.twitter.com/SJPrep_Rowing

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-‐of-‐St-‐Josephs-‐Prep-‐Rowing/29803173

Supplies are limited – so reserve your erg today