The Wake

The only thing interrupting the placid water is the swift and rapid rowing of the University of Minnesota men’s crew team. The ripples that spread across the Mississippi River showcase 50 years of dedication. Crew, a club team that was started in 1957, has left a lasting impression on these waters and this campus.

The crew team at the U was founded by Oliver Bogen, Lloyd Ohme and Dr. Charles Good. The team began practicing on the Mississippi River with equipment donated by the University of Wisconsin. Bogen lead the team as head coach for the first eight years.

Fifty years later, men’s crew has proven to be a competitive racing team representing the University of Minnesota at regattas throughout the country. With head coach Thomas Altenhofen, freshman coach Ed Podnieks and two assistant coaches, Fred Orsted and John Stanochm, men’s crew is able to compete against almost every collegiate rowing program.

“The men’s crew at this University is a great opportunity to compete at the collegiate level. Despite being a club sport we are still as competitive as you can get,” crew member Sean McNulty said.

Except for the four coaches, the men’s crew is run by the athletes themselves. A board of 12 members is elected each year and the 50 or so members participate in the sport for fun and for pride. Certain technicalities prohibit the team from becoming a varsity sport but fundraising, dedication and loyalty have allowed the men’s crew to be one of the most successful crew clubs in the nation.

“Although we can’t offer scholarships, with the help of alumni and the university we hold our own,” said McNulty. “We have a very strong tradition.”

Being a club team gives them an advantage of being a tight knit group with a unique culture. Everyone on the team is at the University to get a degree, not a shoe contract or a scholarship. The result is a team with members who truly love the sport and who are dedicated. Unlike varsity sports, the team is not limited to a certain number of practice hours, allowing them to practice as much as they wish.

“Making crew fit in with college life is not easy, and everyone has to sacrifice something else in their life to make crew happen for them,” said McNulty.

Since 1990 the men’s crew has captured an impressive five National Intercollegiate Championships, 15 National Club Championships and 16 Midwest Regional Championship titles. All while competing against some of the nation’s top varsity crew teams.

The team kicks off the season at Des Moines on Sept. 30. Then it’s off to Rockford, Ill. on Oct. 8, Boston Oct. 21-22 and they finish the fall season in Iowa City, Iowa on Oct. 29. The big event to watch out for though is Head of the Mississippi on Oct. 7, raced on our very own Mississippi River.

“Our freshman team was great last year,” said team captain Matt Harmann. “Good recruiting helps to build a strong team for the future.” The team is hoping for a very successful 50th year.

If you’re interested in being a part of the men’s crew, look for the crew boat on the lawn near the mall. The men’s crew will be recruiting along with the women’s rowing for the fall season.