Philadelphia—Drexel University has entered into a 50-year lease, with two 20-year renewable options, with the historic Bachelors Barge Club located on the Schuylkill River Boathouse Row. Starting in July 2009, the Drexel crew program will be rowing out of the oldest rowing club in the nation. This positions Drexel’s emerging rowing teams among the favorites for the annual Dad Vail regatta, as well as national and international competition.
Founded in 1853 the Bachelors Barge Club reigns today as the oldest continuously operated rowing club in the United States. Drexel Crew will row out of a stately brick boathouse constructed in 1893 on the original site, also known as #6, on historic Boat House Row on Kelly Drive.
“The rowing community at the Bachelors Barge Club is extremely excited about having Drexel University join us on Boathouse Row. As the oldest rowing club in the United States we have a long-standing commitment to excellence. It's a commitment which has helped us weather 155 years of continuous sport here in Philadelphia despite a Civil War, two World Wars, and the great financial depression. It is this same commitment to excellence that makes a long-term relationship with Drexel University so attractive. We envision Drexel moving to the head of the pack in collegiate rowing and we want in on the action - Go Dragons!” James A. Meadowcroft M.D., President, Bachelors Barge Club.
“This development with Bachelors is a ‘win-win’ situation for Drexel University and the Bachelors Barge Club,” said Drexel’s Director of Athletics, Dr. Eric Zillmer, “Drexel is committed to honoring this historic Philadelphia landmark and its member’s legacy by attracting excellence in rowing and celebrating its proud tradition and position for future championships.”
The announcement of this new partnership comes on the heels of another key declaration by Drexel Athletics; Drexel alum, and former football All-American Vince Vidas and his wife Judy have donated a $1 million gift to the Drexel University Crew Program as the lead effort in the “Give Me Ten Campaign” aimed at invigorating the University’s 50-year-old crew program.
Drexel’s crew program, which celebrates its 50-year anniversary this year, will be competing during the upcoming 2008-09 season in such prestigious events as the San Diego Crew Classic, the Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston, the IRA championships held in Sacramento, and the Dad Vail Regatta. Drexel crew history includes Dad Vail titles, CAA titles, Kerr Cup Championships and a sixth-place finish in the grand final by Drexel men's freshman four at the 2008 IRA National Championships. Over the past three seasons, 13 rowers have been named to Philadelphia Inquirer’s All-Area Academic Team including two Philadelphia Inquirer Academic Performers of the Year. In 2007-08, approximately a third of all rowers were on the dean’s list and a third were enrolled in the Pennoni Honors College at Drexel University.
The Vidas gift ignites the fundraising efforts to strategically provide second-year Head Coach Paul Savell the resources needed to build the program into a perennial Dad Vail Regatta contender, competing nationally in the IRA and NCAA Championships, and contending regularly at the Henley Regatta in England. “With a prime location on Boathouse Row and the enthusiastic support of the athletic department and friends, this team has a lot of potential to be realized,” Savell said. “This is our opportunity to put Drexel on the rowing map.”
