Holy Cross Rowing Letter to Athletic Department

Feb 01, 2015

Dear Mr. Pine and Ms. Shea –

As alumni of Holy Cross’ Men’s and Women’s Rowing Programs, we are writing in regards to the current status of the Men’s Rowing Program and the coaching situation therein. Through frequent reports from select alumni and two recent updates drafted by members of the Holy Cross Administration, we were informed of Coach Todd Pearson’s sudden resignation in August and the subsequent appointment of Freshman Coach Jim Barr as Interim Head Coach. We believe that Coach Barr and Coach Kyle Traub (recently hired
to assist Coach Barr) are performing to the highest of their capabilities, based on the performance of the Men’s team this past fall and the progress of winter training. However, we do not believe that this current leadership represents a long term solution for the commitment to excellence that the Men’s Rowing team aspires to, a commitment fostered by former Head Coach Tom Sullivan, a commitment which elevated the program to its current membership in the Eastern Sprints League, the highest tier of collegiate rowing.

We have been informed by Director of Rowing, Patrick Diggins, that many candidates submitted applications for the Head Coach position, but that only three were seriously considered. Based on feedback from some applicants, the salary being offered by the College for the Head Coach position is not competitive enough to attract the high level of coaching talent required to continue the legacy of Holy Cross Rowing, nor is it competitive enough to retain any current coaches that demonstrate that same level of talent. Additionally, applicants were concerned about the lack of a clear vision for the future of the Rowing program. For us, the alumni, the Rowing Program and our coaches strongly and positively influenced our experiences as student athletes at Holy Cross. While the current season may continue to be a success, we are concerned about the ability of the Rowing Program to continue having this same impact on future student athletes.

In response, we, alumni of the Holy Cross Men’s and Women’s Rowing Programs, are willing to assist in “bridging the gap” for the coaching salaries of the program, both short and long term; however, we request that the Holy Cross Athletic Department Administration consider our requests as laid out below –

1. Formulation and delivery by Athletic Director Nathan Pine of his vision for the future of the Rowing Program moving forward. It is crucial that the alumni understand, and are on the same page with, the vision for the future of the program.

2. Create a search committee tasked to identify the next Head Coach of Holy Cross’ Men’s Rowing Program, effective immediately. This committee must include at least two Holy Cross Rowing alumni, as identified by Tom Sullivan and Director of Rowing Patrick Diggins.

3. Working with the search committee, develop and announce a formal fundraising plan for the Men’s and Women’s Rowing teams with milestones, goals, and actual dollar amounts required to improve our coaching salary offer. This plan should include a short-term “bridge” goal (2 year commitment to raise funds to elevate the existing salary to a more competitive wage) and a longer term plan to supplement the current coaching endowment.

4. Frequent updates (monthly, at minimum) provided by the Holy Cross Administration regarding the progress of the coaching search.

Signatures below –

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