HISTORY OF ST. JOE'S CREW
Organized high school rowing began in Buffalo in 1921. Soon after and ever since that time, young men from St. Joe's have trained their reflexes and conditioned themselves to compete in the sport of rowing. Through their hard work, patience and commitment to the sport, St. Joe’s Marauders have been able to roam the waters of scholastic rowing and bring back scores of local and national medals.
There have been many St. Joe's alumni that have gone on to succeed on the US National
Team in International and Olympic competition. Most recently, Kevin Cotter (‘92) competed with the National team and Dave Burke (‘03), a coxswain presently attending Northeastern University is poised to compete for a spot in the coming years. Those men join a proud group including Don Smith (‘86), Tom Murray (‘87), Jim Wynne (‘55), and Jim McMullen (‘55). In the 60’s and 70’s crews from St. Joes won National titles, with one crew, whose names appear on the St. Joes wall of fame, going on to compete in Europe. Tom Terhaar (‘87) is the current coach for the US Olympic Women’s crew team. Decade after decade the St. Joe’s crew team has produced young men that have gone on to great success in rowing throughout the country.
Interestingly, rowing is a sport that is not started competitively until the high school years. This puts you at the same level of experience as your competition anywhere in the country. In all sports a team effort at a high level by every member is a prerequisite to success. Nowhere is that more evident than in the sport of rowing. Only your conditioning, dedication and precision will separate you from the next boat. Rowing, considered a Spring Sport, is the only sport that competes annually at the NY State Championships, nationally at the National Schoolboy Championships, and internationally at the Canadian Schoolboy Championships. This provides great exposure for the many Division I and Division II rowing programs that seek out experienced oarsmen. Most St. Joes crew team members go on to enjoy collegiate rowing at some level.
Through the commitment of the school and donations from alumni and parents, the team competes with state of the art equipment. Much of the training and all of the water practice is completed at Westside Rowing Club (WSRC) at the foot of Porter Ave. WSRC provides one of the best rowing organizations and finest facilities that can be found in club rowing. During the summer months student athletes from all different schools can compete together as WSRC to continue their development. In the Fall of 2006, ground should be broken next to the current club on the Frank Lloyd Wright Boathouse, which will increase the capacity and national recognition for Buffalo as a premier rowing center.
Parents will enjoy the strong parent organization of the St. Joe’s Crew Team. The parent group plays a vital roll in team success, allowing the coaches to focus on coaching. St. Joes has its very own Regatta Trailer, which you may have seen parked behind the school. The trailer is maintained by the parent group and taken to all regattas for set-up of tents, barbeque, and cheering section. Parents can be involved in many areas including making travel arrangements, the team manual, team records / permission documents, fund raising / finance, team year-end party and others.
Explore the photos, rowing notes and rowing links listed and consider stepping into a racing shell and a new sport that will bring you a lifetime of memories. We look forward to having you join us in our pursuit of excellence as we continue the great Marauder tradition.
Yours in rowing,
Rich Schaab ’84 Ed Jauch Raja Sztorc ‘02
Head Coach – Varsity Assistant Head Coach Freshmen Coach
West Side Rowing Club
US Rowing
