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2008: 50th Anniversary of Crew
2008: 50th Anniversary of Crew
The Grand Row of '61 in September 2008
The Grand Row of '61 in September 2008
by Frank Barrett '61
by Frank Barrett '61
Melissa and Jim Fitzgerald
With the 50th Gala Celebration of Georgetown's rowing program approaching, an effort was made to get the '61 Varsity back to row. We did it. Not easy, since Chris Risser transferred to the University of Arizona, and John McGuire was forced to retire by Father Sellinger. Bill Prest, who was with us all the way and stroked the JV in ’61, filled in for David Casey who was killed in an auto accident in late 1963
Jim and Melissa Fitzgerald were very kind as to invite us for a training meal at their lovely home in Potomac on Friday night. Many wives joined us, as did Inge and Caron Cadle, plus Rachael Remuzzi. It was a blast and everyone picked up as if the 50 year gap never happened. Jim Fitzgerald, Captain of Boats in 1961, supplied us with racing shirts. We were ready to go.
Standing in the boathouse next to a “German rigged” Vespoli I think we were all a bit worried about some little things:
Could we carry the boat without dropping it?
Could we go from over our heads to the river?
Could we all get into it?
Would we smash it by stepping or falling through it?
How would we row with shovel blades?
Would someone have a heart attack?
Frank Barrett checks shell, narrower than he remembered it to be…
I wasn’t worried about Chris Risser or Mike O’Brien since they looked in good shape. As for the rest of us…..?
We marched to the river looking as if we hadn't a clue what to do next.
Al DiFiore had his megaphone from 1961, sans straps, and started giving commands. He still is a bossy guy. He was as bossy and miserable as ever! After about 30 seconds of trying to row in pairs or fours, he gave a command for all eight to row. Thank God he was overridden by Mike Vespoli who was our “coach”. The boat surely would have turned over.
We all had a great time with lots of laughs, insults, bitching, etc. As I recall, port refused to drop their hands and we were off to starboard the whole time which on reflection was pretty much SOP for the port side---miserable people in general. We got back to the dock and managed to climb out with some grace. We were so very pleased with our performance.
A highlight was a sign held by Christine Prest reading, in large letters: “PULL PREST PULL.” Bill was so pleased. Billy Prest was a really good man and a great team mate. We will always miss him.
Our row is a proof statement for the axiom: THE OLDER WE GET THE FASTER WE WERE. We were, and are, as John McGuire put it a “Band of Brothers”
THE BOATING: September 20, 2008
Cox Al DiFiore---GURA Treasurer
Cox Al DiFiore---GURA Treasurer
Stroke Jim Mietus
Stroke Jim Mietus
Seven Chris Risser
Seven Chris Risser
Six Bill Prest for David Casey
Six Bill Prest for David Casey
Five John McGuire
Five John McGuire
Four Mike O’Brien---GURA President
Four Mike O’Brien---GURA President
Three Don Whamond
Three Don Whamond
Two Frank Barrett
Two Frank Barrett
Bow Jim Fitzgerald--Captain of Boats
Bow Jim Fitzgerald--Captain of Boats
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Pete McGrath '65
Pete McGrath '65
Pete McGrath in 2008
Pete McGrath in 2008
Fall, 2008: Reading your email brought back many memories related to my very early days of rowing at Georgetown. I didn't start rowing until the beginning of my junior year in September of 1963. I have Dean Conley to thank for getting me interested in Crew -- which almost didn't happen except for a chance encounter I had with Dean on a sunny afternoon as I was walking back to New South from McDonough. I had spent the summer working on a freighter along the coast of West Africa and felt the need to do something athlelic after having been on a ship for over 3 months. So I had gone to McDonough to sign up for the football team and get my practice equipment, but the person responsible for handing out the equipment had taken the day off. On my way back to my dorm I saw Dean, and he encouraged me to go down with him for the first day of fall crew practice. Goose told me much later that he thought I was a freshman, or he would never have let me start rowing as a junior.
Fall, 2008: Reading your email brought back many memories related to my very early days of rowing at Georgetown. I didn't start rowing until the beginning of my junior year in September of 1963. I have Dean Conley to thank for getting me interested in Crew -- which almost didn't happen except for a chance encounter I had with Dean on a sunny afternoon as I was walking back to New South from McDonough. I had spent the summer working on a freighter along the coast of West Africa and felt the need to do something athlelic after having been on a ship for over 3 months. So I had gone to McDonough to sign up for the football team and get my practice equipment, but the person responsible for handing out the equipment had taken the day off. On my way back to my dorm I saw Dean, and he encouraged me to go down with him for the first day of fall crew practice. Goose told me much later that he thought I was a freshman, or he would never have let me start rowing as a junior.
After one or two days in the barge, I got to row in a boat for the first time. As we lifted the boat out of the water, I hit and cut my right elbow on the edge of the metal runner, and had to have 8 stichtes to close the cut. I wasn't able to row for a week or two but went out in the coaches' launch each day where I had a chance to get to know Don Cadle as well as Dave Casey who was in town on weekends from Quantico and was helping Don coach some of us novices. I remember with great appreciation, the interest and time Dave took in helping me learn how to row. It was just a few weeks later in early November that the crew traveled by bus to Massachusetts for Dave's funeral. I also remember meeting Jim Mietus on that sad trip to Dave's funeral. Jim was class of '63 and in grad school at Tufts at the time, but I didn't know him while he was at Georgetown. Jim joined us all for lunch or dinner at Ken's Steak House in Framington, MA when we arrived from DC. Jim and I became friends and stayed in touch over the years.
After one or two days in the barge, I got to row in a boat for the first time. As we lifted the boat out of the water, I hit and cut my right elbow on the edge of the metal runner, and had to have 8 stichtes to close the cut. I wasn't able to row for a week or two but went out in the coaches' launch each day where I had a chance to get to know Don Cadle as well as Dave Casey who was in town on weekends from Quantico and was helping Don coach some of us novices. I remember with great appreciation, the interest and time Dave took in helping me learn how to row. It was just a few weeks later in early November that the crew traveled by bus to Massachusetts for Dave's funeral. I also remember meeting Jim Mietus on that sad trip to Dave's funeral. Jim was class of '63 and in grad school at Tufts at the time, but I didn't know him while he was at Georgetown. Jim joined us all for lunch or dinner at Ken's Steak House in Framington, MA when we arrived from DC. Jim and I became friends and stayed in touch over the years.
I wanted to improve my rowing so stayed at Georgetown to row over the summer of 1964. The varsity boat had just won the Dad Vail Regatta and would be training for the Olympic Trials, but there were several others who stayed in DC to row so we went out in a four and sometimes an eight. We rowed every morning and worked out with the varsity at the upper field above McDonough in the early evenings. We did quarter mile sprints and climbed the ropes, and then I went to the "1789" where I worked in the Tombs for $1.375 per hour, but could eat all I wanted for free. I was amazed when I was selected along with Jim Hanna (class of '66) to go as a spare to the Olympic Trials in Pelham Manor, NY. I had been rowing less than a year, and was so glad that everyone in the eight stayed healthy so that I didn't have to fill in for someone in that race. I may still have a copy of the Olympic Trials race program, and will try to find it before the reunion.
I wanted to improve my rowing so stayed at Georgetown to row over the summer of 1964. The varsity boat had just won the Dad Vail Regatta and would be training for the Olympic Trials, but there were several others who stayed in DC to row so we went out in a four and sometimes an eight. We rowed every morning and worked out with the varsity at the upper field above McDonough in the early evenings. We did quarter mile sprints and climbed the ropes, and then I went to the "1789" where I worked in the Tombs for $1.375 per hour, but could eat all I wanted for free. I was amazed when I was selected along with Jim Hanna (class of '66) to go as a spare to the Olympic Trials in Pelham Manor, NY. I had been rowing less than a year, and was so glad that everyone in the eight stayed healthy so that I didn't have to fill in for someone in that race. I may still have a copy of the Olympic Trials race program, and will try to find it before the reunion.
I also remember going out to Pierre Salinger's house (which was on Lake Barcroft) that summer (1964) with Dan Ebert and a group of guys from the crew, and seeing one of the American flags from JFK's funeral sitting on top of the piano in the Salinger living room. We also made frequent stops that summer at Giffords for ice cream. I think they had a huge dish of ice cream and toppings called a "Cow", which if you finished it entitled you to another one on the house.
I also remember going out to Pierre Salinger's house (which was on Lake Barcroft) that summer (1964) with Dan Ebert and a group of guys from the crew, and seeing one of the American flags from JFK's funeral sitting on top of the piano in the Salinger living room. We also made frequent stops that summer at Giffords for ice cream. I think they had a huge dish of ice cream and toppings called a "Cow", which if you finished it entitled you to another one on the house.
After Georgetown, I went to Harvard's Kennedy School, roomed with Marc O'Brien (class of '64) who was at the Harvard Business School, rowed out of Cambridge Boat Club, and worked in Vietnam in a civilian contract capacity for the U.S. Government at various times during 1966, '67, and '68. I remember getting together in Vietnam with Jim Mietus and Goose a couple of times in late '67 and early '68, and we talked about Dan Ebert being up in I Corps and hoping that at some point we might be able to get to see him. It was Goose who gave me a ride in his jeep to Ton Son Nhut airport for my flight back to the states, 2 days before the Tet Offensive began.
After Georgetown, I went to Harvard's Kennedy School, roomed with Marc O'Brien (class of '64) who was at the Harvard Business School, rowed out of Cambridge Boat Club, and worked in Vietnam in a civilian contract capacity for the U.S. Government at various times during 1966, '67, and '68. I remember getting together in Vietnam with Jim Mietus and Goose a couple of times in late '67 and early '68, and we talked about Dan Ebert being up in I Corps and hoping that at some point we might be able to get to see him. It was Goose who gave me a ride in his jeep to Ton Son Nhut airport for my flight back to the states, 2 days before the Tet Offensive began.
After 10-12 years of road running, I started rowing again in 1985. I row 6 days a week, either on the water on on my erg. I compete in Master events, mostly in a quad, for University Barge Club. This was the same club Georgetown used each year when we were in Philadelphia for the Dad Vail Regatta. Two of the rowers in my boat rowed under Joe Burk (who recently died at the age of 94) at Penn in the 1960s, and over the past 15-20 years we have traded Joe Burk and Don Cadle stories. I was always amazed that we all seemed to have absorbed similar values from these two men, and held each in the highest respect. It all became clear as to why about a year ago when I received a Christmas card from Inge Cadle in Dec 2006. She mentioned in it that she had visited with Joe Burk who who had been Don's crew coach at Yale when he was a freshman or sophomore. She mentioned in this year's card that Don would babysit for the Burk's as well. Around 1950, Joe Burk headed off to Penn to coach and positively impact all who rowed under him, and Don Cadle emerged several years later at Georgetown to coach and also make a tremendous impact on the lives of everyone who rowed under him as well.
After 10-12 years of road running, I started rowing again in 1985. I row 6 days a week, either on the water on on my erg. I compete in Master events, mostly in a quad, for University Barge Club. This was the same club Georgetown used each year when we were in Philadelphia for the Dad Vail Regatta. Two of the rowers in my boat rowed under Joe Burk (who recently died at the age of 94) at Penn in the 1960s, and over the past 15-20 years we have traded Joe Burk and Don Cadle stories. I was always amazed that we all seemed to have absorbed similar values from these two men, and held each in the highest respect. It all became clear as to why about a year ago when I received a Christmas card from Inge Cadle in Dec 2006. She mentioned in it that she had visited with Joe Burk who who had been Don's crew coach at Yale when he was a freshman or sophomore. She mentioned in this year's card that Don would babysit for the Burk's as well. Around 1950, Joe Burk headed off to Penn to coach and positively impact all who rowed under him, and Don Cadle emerged several years later at Georgetown to coach and also make a tremendous impact on the lives of everyone who rowed under him as well.
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Pat Doyle '63
Pat Doyle '63
January 1, 2009: Belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all. Wow! What a year 2008 was. We can honestly say that we live in exciting times. Although I can say that I didn't vote for our new President, I am definitely pulling for him.
January 1, 2009: Belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all. Wow! What a year 2008 was. We can honestly say that we live in exciting times. Although I can say that I didn't vote for our new President, I am definitely pulling for him.
The highlight of the year was definitely the Crew Reunion. Seeing everyone and remembering those who could not be there was special. It was great to see Al D suffering the slings and arrows of Frank once again. I really missed Dave and Goose and wished they could have been there. The weekend was a huge surprise for me. I had no idea that it was going to be anywhere near the scale that it was. I can't tell you how proud and privledged I am to have been a part of the early years and the foundation of the modern era crew.
The highlight of the year was definitely the Crew Reunion. Seeing everyone and remembering those who could not be there was special. It was great to see Al D suffering the slings and arrows of Frank once again. I really missed Dave and Goose and wished they could have been there. The weekend was a huge surprise for me. I had no idea that it was going to be anywhere near the scale that it was. I can't tell you how proud and privledged I am to have been a part of the early years and the foundation of the modern era crew.
I want to thank everyone for putting this together it was special. I clearly remember being approached by Fitz and Cadle after a basketball work out and being asked if I would like to join the crew. I said yes but had no idea what I was getting involved with. It turned out to be the single best thing that hapened to me at Georgetown.
I want to thank everyone for putting this together it was special. I clearly remember being approached by Fitz and Cadle after a basketball work out and being asked if I would like to join the crew. I said yes but had no idea what I was getting involved with. It turned out to be the single best thing that hapened to me at Georgetown.
Pat Doyle in 1962
Pat Doyle in 1962
Pat Doyle in 2008
Pat Doyle in 2008
A few observations. We were a very good crew. I remember in my first year JV boat, we only lost to the Dad Vail winner Brown University. Next year on the varsity we didn't lose at all. In the following season we lost to the world champion Ratzeburg Rowing Club and we ran out of water in the Dad Vail finals losing to Marrieta.Unofficially we finished ahead of some 70 + boats and behind only 3. Not bad in anyones game.
A few observations. We were a very good crew. I remember in my first year JV boat, we only lost to the Dad Vail winner Brown University. Next year on the varsity we didn't lose at all. In the following season we lost to the world champion Ratzeburg Rowing Club and we ran out of water in the Dad Vail finals losing to Marrieta.Unofficially we finished ahead of some 70 + boats and behind only 3. Not bad in anyones game.
Finally it is without question a great feeling to have been associated with such a good group of people. The legacy speaks for itself. One of the things I am most proud of is being remembered as one of Inge's boys.I was then and am now one of Inge's boys
Finally it is without question a great feeling to have been associated with such a good group of people. The legacy speaks for itself. One of the things I am most proud of is being remembered as one of Inge's boys.I was then and am now one of Inge's boys
Never Row, Pat Doyle
Never Row, Pat Doyle
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Bob Valerian '64
March 18, 2008: I have enjoyed this collective trip down memory lane. Thanks to Jack for getting it started and to Ben and the rest for keeping it going. The e-mails prompted a visit to the darkest regions of the Valerian family archives, where I found the attached materials. (Note PDF files attached at the bottom of this page.) I hope you enjoy them and that they will help settle any potential arguments about who was in what boat, that won what race, in what year.
March 18, 2008: I have enjoyed this collective trip down memory lane. Thanks to Jack for getting it started and to Ben and the rest for keeping it going. The e-mails prompted a visit to the darkest regions of the Valerian family archives, where I found the attached materials. (Note PDF files attached at the bottom of this page.) I hope you enjoy them and that they will help settle any potential arguments about who was in what boat, that won what race, in what year.
In retrospect, I am amazed that I kept records of all the heats and finals at Dad Vails for the two years I rowed. I wasn't completing all my class assignments, but I kept good rowing records.That race with the Germans was really a big deal in 1963. According to one newspaper article there was a 24mph tailwind and it took the starter 45 minutes to get the boats lined up. Then photos show pretty good sized waves on the river.
In retrospect, I am amazed that I kept records of all the heats and finals at Dad Vails for the two years I rowed. I wasn't completing all my class assignments, but I kept good rowing records.That race with the Germans was really a big deal in 1963. According to one newspaper article there was a 24mph tailwind and it took the starter 45 minutes to get the boats lined up. Then photos show pretty good sized waves on the river.
Bob Valerian in 1962
Bob Valerian in 1962
Bob Valerian in 2008
Bob Valerian in 2008
If anybody's interested, you can read my professional bio from the website link below. Not included there is my experience, since 1990, as varsity crew coach at St. Ignatius High School here in Cleveland . It's been very satisfying to nurture a program following the Georgetown model that has become very successful--six Midwest Scholastic Championships in the last seven years and a couple of National Championship boats to boot. One of the kids I coached is one of four Americans in the Oxford boat for this year's Boat Race. Obviously, I am also one of those people who were greatly influenced by Don Cadle.
If anybody's interested, you can read my professional bio from the website link below. Not included there is my experience, since 1990, as varsity crew coach at St. Ignatius High School here in Cleveland . It's been very satisfying to nurture a program following the Georgetown model that has become very successful--six Midwest Scholastic Championships in the last seven years and a couple of National Championship boats to boot. One of the kids I coached is one of four Americans in the Oxford boat for this year's Boat Race. Obviously, I am also one of those people who were greatly influenced by Don Cadle.
I am still sculling and erging regularly.I finished last in my event at the Head of the Charles a few years ago--in fact, some of the veteran women even passed me--but I made it through all the bridges without a collision.
I am still sculling and erging regularly.I finished last in my event at the Head of the Charles a few years ago--in fact, some of the veteran women even passed me--but I made it through all the bridges without a collision.
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