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

Friends of Rowing Pamphlet - Inside

Big Red Rowing

Rowing is the oldest collegiate sport in America. Founded at the University of Nebraska in 1971, Crew began with only two shells (boats) as a club sport. Now, six years later, Crew is an independent varsity sport with sixteen racing shells. Between fifty and sixty oarsmen and oarswomen annually compete, making Nebraska crew the second largest sport on campus. Men's and women's teams compete on heavyweight and lightweight levels. Rowing at Nebraska is a sport for everyone.

Crew is a fall and spring sport, requiring year-round training by the athletes. Rowing ranks as one of the most physically demanding of all sports. Only marathon running and Olympic cross country skiing require more endurance. Athletes train many hours by weight-lifting, long distance running, running stadium stairs, and practicing technique during on-the-water workouts. A boathouse rowing tank is being built.

All this training pays for students involved with Crew. During the competition season Crew travels to other campuses across the nation. The learning experience gained from this competition is invaluable. The University of Nebraska has won the Big Eight conference Rowing Championship for the last two years. In 1974, Nebraska's Varsity Crew placed fifth at the Intercollegiate National Championships. In 1976, two of Nebraska's Varsity Oarswomen won gold medals a the national championships. They went on to compete at the Olympic Trials.

Crew has raced successfully at regattas throughout the nation. Midwest rivals include Wisconsin, Notre Dame, Minnesota, Purdue, Kansas State and Oklahoma State. National competition includes Harvard, Princeton, Penn., and other traditional rowing powers from around the country.

Student athletes get a great sense of pride and accomplishment from the sport of rowing. Along with the Husker football program, the Crew has proven to be one of the most competitive athletic ventures at Nebraska. Yet, the team receives no direct, on-going support from the athletic department. Representing Nebraska in a major college schedule is accomplished by the donations from alumni, groups, and other supporters of Nebraska Crew.