It is with great pleasure that the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta (HOSR) continues to honor local legends of Boathouse Row. Vital to HOSR’s mission is ensuring that the rowing legends of Boathouse Row and the Schuylkill River are forever visible and continue to have an impact on athletes of all ages. This year, The Friends of John Hartigan have added to the prestigious list of races named for local legends by underwriting a race in his honor, in perpetuity. The John Hartigan trophy will be awarded to the two winning high school JV and lower school crews–an annual inscription for both men and women. The bas-relief bronze, by Philadelphia sculptor Christopher Ward, shows John’s face in profile, exhorting his crew onward.
Hartigan’s 50+ years of rowing/coxing, in spite of having been born with spina bifida, (a failure of the spine or spinal cord to properly form) are note-able: as an Olympian, World Champion, teammate, mentor, friend and inspiration to many.
The HOSR is honored and excited to commemorate a race in Hartigan’s name and publicly recognize his contributions to the rowing community. His story, and passion, will continue to inspire others and he will always be an important part of Philadelphia’s largest and most inclusive regatta.
The HOSR Board of Directors, the 350+ volunteers, and the entire Philadelphia rowing community recognizes and thanks John for all he has given, and all that he continues to represent, to all of us. He is a true champion among champions.
*The Mens and Womens High School Eights/JV and Lower Boats will race Sunday afternoon, October 27, with 62 boats competing in the mens division and 53 boats competing in the womens division.
Learn more about John Hartigan in a feature in the 2019 HOSR Program Book.
Additional races named for Boathouse Row and Schuylkill River legends include:
The Charles P. Colgan Memorial Race: Mens Masters & Veterans Eights (27-39)(40-49)(50-59)(60+)
The Fred Duling Cup: Mens Masters Doubles (27-39)(40-49)
In Memory of John Timoney: Mens Masters Doubles (50-59)
In Memory of Bob Brasler: Mens Masters Doubles (60+)
In Memory of Bill van der Linde: Mens Championship Doubles
Todd B. Craun Memorial Race: Womens Championship Eights
In Honor of Jim Barker: Mns and Womens High School Singles (Varsity, JV, Frosh/Novice)
Joseph William Burk Memorial Race: Mens Master Singles (27-39)(40-49)
The Sid Salomon Trophy: Mens Master & Veterans singles (50-59)(60-69)(70+)
In Memory of Coach Michael O’Gorman: Mens & Womens High School Eights (Frosh/Novice)
The Mayor’s Cup: Mens & Womens High School Eights (Varsity/First Boats)