Hens cheer for UD crews
University alumni gather at 73rd Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta
2:35 p.m., May 18, 2011--The University of Delaware's alumni tent at the 73rd Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta was one of the most popular spots along Kelly Drive on Saturday, May 14.
The classic Philadelphia regatta, which features more than 3,000 athletes from 120 colleges and universities, also attracts thousands of rowing fans to the banks of the Schuylkill River for the two-day event.
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More than 200 UD alumni, parents and friends of the men's and women's crew programs lined the banks of the Schuylkill to cheer UD to victory. The men's team advanced four crews into the grand finals of Saturday's racing, including the varsity heavyweight eight and varsity lightweight eight, which garnered bronze and silver medals, respectively. The women's team advanced a junior varsity eight, which finished fourth in a field of 18 crews.
Alumni from all over the country traveled to cheer on the teams. "I've had Dad Vail marked on my calendar for months," said Andrew Millspaugh, a 2008 graduate of UD, who traveled from Milwaukee, Wis. "It's a great opportunity to reunite with former teammates I haven't seen in a while and see firsthand Delaware's success at the regatta. The Dad Vail Regatta was always our focus as rowers at UD, so in the same spirit we like to come back to watch.”
"Philadelphia is our home-away-from-home for UD's rowing programs," said UD Men's Crew Alumni Association president Shawn Duff, a 2008 graduate. "The majority of our alumni still reside in the northeast region so it’s the perfect weekend trip for them. It's nice to see the most recent alumni come back, as well as older alumni with their families. Also, the venue is the most spectator friendly environment you'll experience in rowing."
The UD alumni tent was supported by University of Delaware Alumni Association. For more information about the Men’s Crew Alumni Association, visit their new Facebook page.