The Class of 1968 issued
a Class Reunion Crew Challenge. It took place Saturday, afternoon
June 6, 1998 at the boathouse. Jack Lynch assembled a full crew
for the Reunion Row:
John "monster" Wasserlein (Stroke) , Ron Cheek(7) , Dennis Buss(6) , Jim Lattimer(5) , Mike Greata(4) , Dick Metzinger(3) , Lauren Sompayrac(2) , Jack Lynch(bow)
Spares: Ken Anderson, Bill Gadzuk, Lew Taff
Cox: Ron
Young
Coach: Jack Frailey
After a training table lunch at Durgin Park, we assembled on the dock of the new boathouse:
What a blast the "reunion regatta" was. Best thing I've done in a long time. Concerning the pictures, I am the third from the far right in crew.jpg. I rowed #4 in the mixed 63/58(?) boat in the first heat and was able to get the 4-oar in a mostly-Class-of-78 boat in the second heat which was a new experience for me. Apparently women's crew was in place by 1978 so, for my first time ever, I was #4 between two ladies at 3 and 5. Looking forward to our 40th reunion.
Cheers,
Bill Gadzuk
Going out:
... Coming in:
We raced twice. We won the first heat (the top two qualified for the final).
In the final we trailed crossing the finish line, but had to wait for the handicap system to run its
course. While we waited, Coach Frailey inspired us with stories and volunteered his assistance to the
Class of 1964 in next year's race. Subsequently Stu declared us victorious and
presented us
The Reunion Challenge Cup:
555K version
We hope the Class of 1964 will continue the tradition.
Bob Johnson took some of the photos shown here and also developed a stunning video of the Race. The playing of the theme from Chariots of Fire was particularly inspiring!
Bob, I'm writing to thank you for sending the "Class of '63 Reunion Championship" video. I just finished watching it, and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
When the tape arrived, it so happened that my VCR was temporarily on the fritz, and even when I got it fixed, I wasn't in much of hurry having read your enclosed "letter of apology" about the quality of the tape.
Well....I want you to know that I thought it was terrific. Sight, sound, dubbing, music, the whole thing. And what memories it brought back!
The only downside was that it made me feel even worse that I had not been able to take part.
But the way time is flying, 2003 will be upon us before we know it. I've already got the 40th on the calendar.
Again, many thanks for including me in your mailing. It was great to see "the team", and Coach Frailey on the tape.
Best regards,
Bob,
Thanks very much for the video. I enjoyed it thoroughly and undoubtedly will watch it again and again. There is apparent not only considerable work and effort in the production, editing, camera work, music, etc. etc, but dare I suggest, also talent shines forth. Perhaps you are on the verge (or edge?) of a budding career in video. Weddings, confirmations, bar-mitzvahs, funerals, circumcisions are all waiting, looking for talent. Or, perhaps, even better, there's a grander future in tv? who knows. We may see your name as the credits roll in the footage of the next olympics.
All kidding aside, I do appreciate the work and effort you put into the video. And did get the vicarious thrill of watching the guys row. I was sorry not to be there myself. I had planned to go, but circumstances kept me from doing so. Your video has me eager for 2003! I can't say I was surprised by our victory. Just a matter of heart and determination. And the class of '63 always had an abundace of both.
While I rarely got the chance to row myself (when I did I rowed in the #7 position--how about that, Ron Cheek?) and even had the opportunity to cox several times over the four years I served first as frosh mgr, then as head manager--working with the heavyweights first, then the lights--being somewhere inbetween myself. I remember the very first day I went down for crew as a naive freshman the first week of school and weighing 137 lbs. the coach, Dick Andersen (or was it Anderson?) explained that to be a Lightweight I needed to weigh 140 and ought to be considerably taller than I was, and to cox I should be at most 130. But oh, yes. There was a need for managers, so I hung around.
A memory they'll bury me with are (is?) those many very cold, dark February nights driving the launch for Jack the water spraying onto my face and parka and freezing on my eyebrows. Yes, it was that cold. How was it for the guys in the shell? I don't think I ever asked. But I don't remember their every being sorry for the end of the workout.
I actually recognized several of the oarsmen. Yep. The video was that good! But except for the still at the end, I missed Jack. It seems I'm always missing you Jack. I stopped in at the tute several times over the years (not since your retirement), but could only leave a message. Hope you got 'em and are doing well now.
And Lauren, I got your change of address. Was only in the Tetons once, but it was beautiful. Just might take you up on your offer one day.
Regards to all.
Elliott
Elliot,
It was good to hear from you.
The heavyweight frosh coach in the fall of '59 was Dick Ericson (Erickson ?). He left MIT sometime after we graduated to go to the U. of Washington as freshman coach, and soon after that, became varsity coach. He had a distinguished career, I'm pretty sure. I haven't followed it closely in several years, but I used to read about his Washington crews in Sports Illustrated.
I also missed the race, but the race, the tape, etc. have brought back many memories. I wrote a letter and posted it on the MIT Crew web page a few months ago. You might want to check it out.
Regards,
Bob VernonSee Bob Vernon's letter on the MIT Crew Webpage.
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