Project Editor: Joshua Vapenik, History 470: Digital History, Spring 2008

Funding

The team was always in search of more money to fund its activities. Initially, the team tried to get recognized as an official sport by the University's Athletic Department. This however was denied, "If we finance rowing, we'll have to carry rugby and soccer too," said then Athletic Director Bob Devaney (Kuhn, 1984). The money to finance the team's endeavors would have to come from somewhere else. More often than not, this meant that the rowers would have to pay their expenses out of their own pockets. The very first people to join the team had to buy their own oar in order to join. Travel expenses such as van rentals, fuel, and race fees were paid out of the rower's pocket. A major source of income for the early team was cleaning the Devaney Center after home games. Donations were always sought out from local businesses, whether it be of money or equipment, such as the coaching launch and motor donated by Sears-Roebuck. As time went on and the team became more established, it was able to solicit donations from its Alumni.

Today, the team is a part of Campus Recreation's Sport Club Program, and as a part of this program, they now receive an annual budget to help defray the costs of new equipment and various operating costs. However, the money still does not come close to paying for all of the team's expenses. Race fees, fuel, and van rentals continue to be paid for by the rowers to this day in addition to yearly dues.

An opinon piece by Omaha World-Herald columnist Virgil Parker commemorating the unveiling of the Tank and giving an overview of the team's success. To view the full image, click here.