This Saturday we honored the 40^th anniversary of the Washington men's rowing team winning the Grand Challenge Cup at the 1977 Henley Royal Regatta.  A shell dubbed the 'Grand Challenger' was christened to celebrate the achievement of the '77 crew.
 
The Henley Royal Regatta, established back in 1839, is arguably the most well known regatta in the world.  It hosts 200 races over a five-day period that features international competition and many Olympic oarsmen.  It is the "Wimbledon" of rowing.  The Grand Challenge Cup, known to many as 'The Grand', is the highlight of the Regatta and to many is considered the biggest race of the year.
 
The '77 Grand Challenge Cup is celebrated today as one of the most significant victories in Washington Rowing history – a victory on par with the '36, '48, '52, and '58 Olympic medaling crews and Washington's IRA championships.
 
The season of the '77 varsity eight was story of a group of young men coming together to make something great by committing and trusting in one another.
 
Early in the racing season, the '77 varsity faced serious challenges and suffered brutally close losses.  "The San Diego Crew Classic was a bitter disappointment for us due to the drama of the finish - we waited a long time for the officials to watch the photo/video results," said '77 varsity eight member Mark Umlauf.  "It was that close."
 
In response, everyone dove head first into the effort.  Head Coach Dick Erickson experimented with different lineups for every race to find the ideal combination.  "I found myself rowing in almost every seat in the boat, a different side and a different seat each week," said Umlauf.  "I even stroked the boat against Western, a dubious honor for someone 6'7"."  Stan Pocock brought his ingenuity and technical eye into the equation as well, experimenting with rigs and equipment.  Harry Swetnam, the team's weight training coach at the time, helped the crew build strength and explosiveness through his intense training sessions.  Student managers like George Teasdale, Jeff "Rollo" Benedict, and Kirk "Lucky Pierre" Knapp, were invaluable, serving as the conduit between the coaches and the crew.  Even members of past championship crews came down to show their support, including the Boys in the Boat – the '36 men's Olympic gold medal team - who set the standard of success at the Conibear Shellhouse.
 
After months of tireless effort, the Washington Varsity reached Henley having made huge strides as a crew.   "We just wanted to win," said oarsman Jesse Franklin. "I just think we all loved to compete and winning is infectious.  Washington historically had won a lot of races and we learned as freshman that we were supposed to win. I do not recall ever lining up for a race to come in second." 
 
In the first race at Henley, the Huskies defeated the Irish national team consisting of four Olympic oarsmen.  "I believe our first race against the Irish was the tougher race both mentally and physically," said Umlauf.  "It set us up for the final race against the Leander/Thames Tradesmen club very nicely." 
 
The Grand Challenge Cup race against the British on the final day echoed the lessons of the season.  Washington fell behind early, but stayed tough.  Bit by bit, the crew wore down the British, grinding away at them.  Then, the Huskies broke through and took the lead.  Once that happened, they never looked back.  Washington stormed through the finish line to claim the first victory for a United States Crew at Henley in 18 years…

It was a major come from behind win to cap off a come from behind season.  "I think we were fast all year, but really it all came together at the end," said Hess.
 
When asked about his thoughts, Head Coach Michael Callahan had the following to say: "When I hear about the 77' varsity winning the Grand at Henley, it really drives the point home about our core values today: hard work, perseverance, and trust.  And speaking with the members of the 77' crew now, they always talk about how they've relied on those same tenants after rowing and throughout their lives.  The values you learn at Washington Rowing are universal."
 
The team of John Stillings, '78, '79, (coxswain), Mike Hess, '77, Jesse Franklin, Terry Fisk, '81, Mark Miller, Mark Umlauf, Ross Parker, Mark Sawyer, '79, and Ron Jackman, '78, were later inducted into the Husky Hall of Fame in 1999.

On the 40^th anniversary of their victory, it becomes a time to reflect on the accomplishment of the '77 team winning the Grand Challenge Cup – a victory that will remain at the forefront of Washington Rowing successes forever.

"Having a boat named for the efforts that year is such an honor for me, and for the entire group of oarsmen involved in that '77 season," said Umlauf. "It is in the finest of tradition of Washington rowing to remember the past victories while maintaining the high standards we expect for the future."
 
"It was really special, and you just realize how lucky you were to have done something like that because it stays with you your whole life," said Hess.
 
The '77 crew, forty years later, will return to Henley this summer to row in the lunchtime hour to celebrate their victory.

Washington Rowing also honored the 1966 team who donated a coaching launch to the program last season as part of their 50^th anniversary. The 'Spirit of '66' launch is the main coaching launch at the University and provides the ability for coaches to follow their team along the water without creating a substantial wake.

RACEDAY VIDEO

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