Dartmouth College
Key Facts:
Location: Hanover, New Hampshire, East Coast
Division: Division I
Conference: The Ivy League
Womens 2023 Rank: 39th, Last Championship Title: N/A
Mens IRA 2023 Rank: 7th, Varsity finish: 10th, Last Championship Title: 1992
Mens Lightweight IRA 2023 Rank: 7th, Varsity finish: 7th, Last Championship Title: N/A
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Rowing at Dartmouth College: Excellence on the Water and Beyond
Established in 1769, Dartmouth College stands as a prestigious Ivy League institution situated in Hanover, New Hampshire. With a student body of 4,500 undergraduates, the college encompasses a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate programs across departments such as Arts and Sciences, Medicine, Engineering, and Business. Notable for its renowned Geisel School of Medicine, Thayer School of Engineering, and Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth is the ninth-oldest higher education institution in the U.S. The Dartmouth rowing teams are known for their determination, hard work and fierce competitive spirit.
Coaching Excellence
Wyatt Allen, entering his tenth season as Dartmouth heavyweight rowing's head coach, led the team to notable victories, including the Alumni Cup and Atalanta Cup in 2016-17. Achievements like finishing eighth at the Eastern Sprints Regatta and earning the Clayton Chapman Trophy for most improved team highlight his coaching prowess. A former Olympian and nine-time national team member, Allen's coaching experience spans national and collegiate levels, contributing to Washington's historic three-boat sweep at the 2009 IRA Regatta. His success at California Berkeley includes an undefeated 2011 season and an IRA National Championship. Allen brings boat loads of experience to Dartmouth's rowing program. Coach Allen is joined by the duo of Sabrina Bohrer and Jack Smith.
In July 2023, Dartmouth appointed John Graves as the head coach of the women's rowing program. Graves, previously an assistant coach for Dartmouth's nationally ranked men's heavyweight rowing team, brings a wealth of experience, having served on the staff of the 2021 NCAA national champion Texas women's rowing program. Recognized for his coaching excellence and passion for rowing, Graves aims to elevate Dartmouth's women's rowing program. With a background in collegiate women's rowing, including stints at Texas and Michigan, Graves has also contributed to the success of the U.S. National Rowing program as both an athlete and coach. Coach Graves is supported by duo Kendall Brewer and Merritt Denham.
Cutting-Edge Facilities
Located on the scenic Connecticut River, Dartmouth's rowing hub, the Friends of Dartmouth Rowing Boathouse. Funded by dedicated alumni and enthusiasts, this enhancement includes cutting-edge moving-water tanks for year-round training. Located a 5 minute walk from campus, the facility accommodates 120 athletes from Dartmouth's three varsity rowing teams, allowing simultaneous training. Dartmouth athletes train on the erg at the boathouse while also having access to a comprehensive weights room at the Varsity weights room. The boathouse also features social spaces for rowers, alumni, and parents, making it a pivotal asset in Dartmouth's commitment to top-tier rowing talent.
Year-Round Competition
Dartmouth's rowing teams participate in highly competitive events, facing formidable opponents throughout the year. Notable Ivy League rivalries with Harvard, Yale, and Princeton intensify the dual racing season. The schedule features significant events, including the Dartmouth-Harvard regatta against arch-rivals Harvard. The racing season commences with dual races against Ivy League foes, with the women's team competing against Harvard, BU, and Northeastern, while the men's team races Columbia in Overpeck, N.J. In addition to Ivy League competition, Dartmouth rowers actively engage in prestigious regattas like the Head of the Charles, the Gardner Cup, and often represent the college at Henley Royal Regatta.
Balancing Academics and Athletics
Engaging in rowing at Dartmouth demands a significant investment of time and energy, with student-athletes dedicating up to 20 hours per week to their training routine. This commitment involves early morning practices and rigorous land workouts. Despite the rigorous schedule, Dartmouth's supportive academic environment ensures that athletes can thrive both academically and on the water. Professors recognize the demands of rowing, and academic advisors offer valuable guidance to help student-athletes strike a balance between their academic and athletic pursuits.
Dartmouth college’s rowing history is marked by championship victories on both national and Ivy League platforms. Many Dartmouth rowers have proudly represented their national colors in the Olympic Games, underscoring the program's dedication to excellence and its integral role in fostering world-class talent in the sport of rowing.
World-Class Academics
At Dartmouth, the academic year is uniquely divided into three terms—fall, winter, spring —each lasting around ten weeks. This distinctive structure allows for concentrated study, fostering a deep understanding of coursework while encouraging exploration across a diverse range of subjects throughout the year. The mandatory summer term for second-year students becomes an opportune time for all to catch up or explore Dartmouth's extensive summer offerings, delving into specialized subjects, engaging in research projects, or even studying abroad.
Dartmouth's academic strength lies in its liberal arts curriculum and exceptional undergraduate teaching, spread across four divisions: the School of Arts and Sciences, the Geisel School of Medicine, the Thayer School of Engineering, and the Tuck School of Business. With close to 70 majors and minors and 11 interdisciplinary programs, Dartmouth empowers students to self-design majors. Government is the most popular major amongst the rowing teams.
The institution uniquely blends the qualities of a renowned liberal arts college with those of a leading research university, where students and faculty collaborate to tackle global challenges. Recognized for its faculty at the forefront of their fields, Dartmouth emphasizes close interaction with undergraduates in the classroom and through independent study and research.
The liberal arts degree forms Dartmouth's essence, encouraging students to explore diverse areas regardless of their major. The institution's mission is to develop lifelong learners and leaders, preparing them for the complexities of the 21st century by fostering a spirit of questioning, learning, and navigating the unknown.
How to get recruited to row at Dartmouth:
To start your recruiting journey, begin by filling out the rowing recruiting questionnaires on the Dartmouth website. After completing the questionnaire, take the initiative to send an introductory email to the rowing recruiting coach, providing essential details about yourself. This helps create a strong initial impression and lays the foundation for effective communication with the coach.
Get expert help on how to secure scholarships and get recruited to row in college: