Donation of the "Don McGrath" & "Alumni Victorius"
Purchased through the generosity of Alumni & Friends the lead gift for the Don McGrath was provided by current rower Lucas Vroege's family.
The lead gift for the Alumni Victorius was provided by Doug Rathburn '97. Gifts were also provided for the purchase of the Don McGrath
by the Hoye and Hausladen families, and seats were named in their honor.
The shells are 1999 heavyweight Resolute eights. They were both purchased from Cornell University and were in active use by their
heavyweight program when we purchased them in August 2015. These particular shells were manufactured by the original owners of Resolute
and are still extremely stiff. The McGrath was purchased by Cornell directly from Resolute, while the Alumni Vcitorius was originally
purcahsed by the Naval Academy - hence the yellow decks. The Alumni Victorius was later acquired by Cornell so that they'd have perfectly
matched training eights. These were the last Resolutes in Cornell's fleet so they sold them even though they were still in use to make room
for different shells.
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SARA President Doug Rathburn '97 talking about victory through alumni support.
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For thousands of years, we have gone to row and race. We have crafted vessels to swiftly carry us and we have called them by name. To them we toast, and ask all here to celebrate the Don McGrath & Alumni Victorius.
The moods of the river are many, from tranquil to violent. We ask that these shells be given the strength to carry on with speed in any weather. May all who row in them row with grace and skill.
Today we come to name the Don McGrath & Alumni Victorius, and send it them race, to be cared for, and to care for CWRU Crew. We ask the rowers of old and the mood of God that is the river to accept Don McGrath & Alumni Victorius as their names, to help them through their races, and allow them to return with their crews victorious.
To the Don McGrath & Alumni Victorius!!!
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Lucas Vroege pouring champagne over the bow to christen the shell in honor of his grandfather Don McGrath.
Doug pouring champagne over the bow of the Alumni Victorius.
Celebrating the additions to the Spartan Navy!
Doug presenting Lucas and his family with a trophy blade in recognition of their support to Case Crew and the Spartan Navy.
Lucas sharing the trophy blade with his grandpa.
Many thanks to the gracious alumni and parents who donated to this effort, Coaches Aaron Marcovy, Rachel Stanley, Tim Marcovy & Bob Gannon and Case Crew thank you for your support!
Many more photos from the dedication can be found in the SARA Photo Gallery
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