University of Pennsylvania
Key Facts:
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Division: Division I
Conference: Ivy League
Womens NCAA 2023 Rank: 6th, Varsity finish: 4th, Last Championship Title: N/A
Mens IRA 2023 Rank: 11th, Varsity finish: 12th, Last Championship Title: 1992
Mens Lightweight IRA 2023 Rank: 3th, Varsity finish: 3rd, Last Title: N/A
Nurturing Excellence in Academics, Athletics, and Beyond
Founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin, the University of Pennsylvania is an Ivy League institution renowned for its top-tier research and distinguished undergraduate programs in liberal arts, business, engineering, and nursing. Emphasizing interdisciplinary education, Penn's Open University Policy enables undergraduates to explore courses across departments and graduate schools. Penn hosts one of the oldest and most competitive rowing programs in the U.S., where academic excellence and athletic prowess converge to shape the extraordinary journey of student-athletes on Boathouse Row.
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Coaching Excellence
At the heart of the University of Pennsylvania's esteemed rowing programs lies a team of exceptional coaches. Under the guidance of Coach Wesley Ng, the University of Pennsylvania's Women's Rowing program has achieved remarkable success. Ng, named the 2023 Ivy League and CRCA D1 Region I Coach of the Year, took the helm in 2015. Penn's recent qualification for the NCAA Championship as a team and their impressive sixth-place finish in 2023 showcases their upward trajectory. The Varsity Eight's stellar 32-3 regular-season record and the Second Varsity Eight's 29-1 performance reflect the team's dominance. Achievements include historic medals at the Ivy League Championship and a notable debut at the Henley Regattas in 2023.
On the men's side, Head Coach Al Monte enters his second season at the helm. Monte came to Penn after eight years as the Associate Head Coach at Dartmouth. In Coach Monte's first year, he led the program to achieve the Clayton W. Chapman Trophy at the IRA National Championships, which is awarded to the program that improved the most in the overall team points standings from the previous year. Monte is supported by assistant coach Phillip Brunner, who has extensive experience coaching at Yale and Princeton. This young coaching team is highly determined and ambitious. It will be exciting to follow their progress.
Colin Farrell's coaching at Penn's lightweight rowing program has seen consistent success, earning him EARC and Ivy League Lightweight Coach of the Year in 2019. The Varsity Eight's 2019 win at the EARC Sprints was the first since 1976. Farrell's crews medaled at Sprints for three consecutive years, a feat not seen since 1950-52. At the IRA National Championship Regatta, Penn's Varsity Eight secured medals in four of the last six Championships. In 2019, Farrell led Penn's lightweight boats to the Henley Royal Regatta, marking their return since 1991. His coaching has firmly established Penn's lightweight rowing program as a formidable presence.
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Cutting-Edge Facilities
University of Pennsylvania's historic Burk-Bergman Boathouse recently received a comprehensive $12 million renovation to bring the facility in line with the contemporary needs of Penn rowing. Situated on Boathouse Row along the picturesque Schuylkill River, Burk-Bergman Boathouse has been a home to Penn's rowing programs since its construction in 1875. The renovation introduces a state-of-the-art lounge and meeting area equipped with integrated audio-visual facilities. The restoration work encompasses a historic vaulted ceiling and a renewed balcony providing captivating views of the river. The most significant addition, the new erg room, has been meticulously enhanced to accommodate larger workouts and special events. This space boasts panoramic river views, ambient daylight through skylights, and a modern structural system that pays homage to the building's historical architecture.
Boat House Row, University of Penn has the Green Floor
Deep History of Rowing at Penn
The University of Pennsylvania has played a pivotal role in the development and promotion of the sport of rowing, particularly through its association with Boathouse Row. Dating back to the establishment of the University Barge Club in 1854, Penn has been at the forefront of fostering a vibrant rowing culture. Boathouse Row, located on the Schuylkill River, became a hub for rowing enthusiasts and clubs, including Penn's College Boat Club formed in 1872. This iconic stretch of boathouses has not only served as the training ground for Penn's rowing teams but has also become a symbol of the city's commitment to the sport. Over the years, the University of Pennsylvania has contributed significantly to the development of rowing programs, nurturing both competitive excellence and a sense of camaraderie.
Year-Round Competition
The rowing program at Pennsylvania embraces a year-round commitment to competitive excellence. The Women, Men, and Lightweight Men all have strong showings at Head of the Charles and the Princeton Chase, with the Men’s program registering their best fall result since 2000. All three programs engage in a spectrum of dual races, testing their mettle against strong Ivy League adversaries. The competition comes to a head at the IRA for the Men and Lightweight programs, while the women compete at the NCAA National Championships, where last year they registered an impressive 4th place in the Varsity 8+. Rowers at Penn embrace the year-round commitment, exemplifying steadfast dedication to competing at the highest echelon of college rowing.
Balancing Academics and Athletics
The life of a student-athlete at the University of Pennsylvania demands exceptional dedication and time management. With rigorous training schedules and academic commitments, the university provides a wealth of resources to support athletes in achieving academic excellence. From personalized tutoring to flexible academic accommodations, the university ensures that athletes excel both in their athletic pursuits and their scholarly endeavors.
World-Class Academics
The University of Pennsylvania, a revered institution in the realm of academia, offers a world-class education that spans four distinguished undergraduate schools. The College of Arts and Sciences, Penn Engineering, School of Nursing, and The Wharton School collectively form the academic bedrock of this prestigious university. Amidst the ivy-covered halls and rich history, The Wharton School emerges as a standout, globally renowned for its business education. Renowned for its cutting-edge curriculum and esteemed faculty, Wharton is a driving force in shaping the next generation of business leaders. The unique blend of academic rigor and diverse schools at Penn not only makes it a haven for intellectual exploration but also positions it as a perfect setting for student-athletes aspiring to thrive both academically and athletically in the world of collegiate rowing.
How to get recruited to row at Penn:
To start your recruiting journey, begin by filling out the rowing recruiting questionnaires on the Pennsylvania rowing 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.