The Head of the Schuylkill Regatta (HOSR) is celebrating its 50th anniversary by telling the stories of 50 legendary competitors/crews/teams/coaches/events from the Philadelphia rowing community over the history of 50 years. The stories will be representative of the breadth of HOSR competition and culture. Some stories will be about well-known rowers and crews, along with many that are lesser known. The list will include volunteers, influencers, and persons who have catapulted the regatta into Philadelphia’s largest and most inclusive regatta and a world class event.
Introduced during the 2020 virtual race week, “50 Years, 50 Stories” will present one story each week on the HOSR website (https://hosr.org/50-years-50-stories/) for the next 50 weeks, leading up to the 2021 regatta (October 30 & 31). Already posted are the stories of pioneer rower Karin Constant, heralded coach Jim Barker, and African-American rower John Izzard.
In addition, building off the virtual program from October 19, 2020, the Committee 50 will host monthly virtual ‘story hours’ during which honorees and friends will have the chance to tell their stories and answer questions, and connect or reconnect with one another.
The next story hour will be on Wednesday, December 2, at 7:00PM, via Zoom, and will feature Jim Barker, long time coach at The Haverford School and Undine Barge Club and one of the most decorated national singles scullers. Barker won more championships at Haverford than any high school coach in the history of rowing in Philadelphia and possibly the United States, and coached numerous championship scullers at all levels. Not only did his determination influence and emphasize sculling nationally but brought about social change along Boathouse Row. Jim (now age 90) and friends will be present to share some great stories. To participate in the story hour, register here in advance.
The Committee 50, many of whom are rowing legends, has been meeting weekly to form the list. Committee members include: Christopher Blackwall, University Barge Club and longtime director of the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta; Rick Stehlik, Malta Boat Club and a Boathouse Row historian; Peter Simone, Vesper Boat Club and founding member of the Wall of Champions; Ellen Carver, President HOSR, Dotty Brown, author Boathouse Row, Vesper Boat Club; Alan Robinson, University Barge Club and board member HOSR; Jim Dietz, three-time US Olympic team sculler and coach and former USRowing Vice President, and Jennifer Wesson, Executive Director HOSR.
There will also be opportunities for the general rowing public to make recommendations for additions to the list following the initial 50, allowing this initiative to be a dynamic process that continues into the next 50 years.
According to Wesson, “It is important to capture the stories of the people, crews and coaches throughout the 50 years of the HOSR. This is a chance to hear the stories and the legends that have made the Schuylkill River and the Boathouse Row community what it is today – so special in our lives and hearts. We celebrate the people by passing down their stories through generations and affecting change for the future of our sport.”
Learn more about 50 Years. 50 Stories
Register for the December 2nd Story Hour
About the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta:
The Head of the Schuylkill Regatta began in 1970 when members of the University Barge Club decided to offer rowers of all ages a congenial race on the historic Schuylkill River. The Regatta’s spirit of inclusion grew along with the size and scope of the event. At a time when only college crews competed in the fall ‘head’ or distance races, the Head of the Schuylkill opened racing to high schools, emerging masters and veteran rowers. The Head of the Schuylkill Regatta now welcomes more than 9,000 competitors, 35,000 spectators, and 350 volunteers each year. The weekend features races for high school, collegiate, masters, para, and elite rowers and a two-day Fall Festival amidst the backdrop of the beautiful and historic city of Philadelphia.