2025 Rowing

[George64]

Cornell lightweight crew takes Geiger Cup, besting Columbia and MIT.

Per coach Tyler Nase - "The team delivered strong performances across all three eights, highlighted by a program-best time [5:34.26] for the Varsity 8+ on a still-water course to our knowledge."

[Trotsky]

The history of the Geiger Cup is on the Cornell site, even though it's an MIT tradition.

Bad form, nerds!  ::smashfreak::

[Trotsky]

Is "still-water" a medium (i.e., lake not river) or a weather condition?

[George64]

Is "still-water" a medium (i.e., lake not river) or a weather condition?

Probably both.  It was held in Overpeck, NJ, at Columbia's lake-like rowing course.  Apparently, their races are no longer held on the Harlem River.  Usually when Tyler Nase gives a race recap, he notes wind speed and direction, along with the time, but didn't here.

[billhoward]

Some reasons for rowing on other than the Harlem River:

It's filthy. Trust Harvard on this: https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2019AGUFM.H33D..08W/abstract#:~:text=It%20is%20not%20safe%20for,or%20boating%20especially%20in%20rainstorms.

There can be strong tidal currents

And the occasional object banging into the shell: Stroke! Stroke! Corpse!

[cth95]

I was on the freshman lightweight team and rowed at Columbia.  The river was brown and literally smelled like dog crap.  I tried really hard to not let splashes from the oars get in my mouth.

Apparently, another potential hazard is the wake from the ferry.  It may be apocryphal, but we were told a Columbia shell once got the bow and stern on the peaks of a huge wake and collapsed in half with the middle over the trough.

[Trotsky]

And the occasional object banging into the shell: Stroke! Stroke! Corpse!

As opposed to New Jersey?

[Jeff Hopkins '82]

And the occasional object banging into the shell: Stroke! Stroke! Corpse!

As opposed to New Jersey?

Take the cannoli.

[George64]

To Alumni and Friends of Cornell Lightweight Rowing,

It's with a heavy heart that I write to inform you that our team will not be competing at this year's IRA National Championship due to the team's behavior following a recent competition.  Please also see Dr. Nicki Moore's statement to alumni below.

Though I can't discuss the details, the decision was necessitated by the nature and number of infractions of University and department policy, the widespread participation of the team in the conduct, and the timing once the actions came to light.

This result is deeply disappointing for all of us — especially our seniors who have dedicated themselves to this team for four, and in some cases, five years. There are many lessons to be learned, but I'm certain that the resiliency and toughness they have shown as competitors will allow them to thrive as they move forward. While we are heartbroken not to race, our focus now turns to supporting our seniors and helping our underclassmen learn and grow from this experience.

This team is full of driven, resilient, and accountable young men and women. I am confident that we will use this as a learning moment — one that ultimately strengthens our culture and our commitment to the values that define Cornell Lightweight Rowing.

Sincerely,

Tyler Nase
The Henry E. Bartels '48 Head Coach of Lightweight Rowing


To Alumni and Friends of Cornell Lightweight Rowing,

Following careful review of and reflection upon circumstances that recently came to our attention, we have made the very difficult decision that our men's lightweight rowing team will not participate in the upcoming IRA Championships. This decision was made with great care and consideration, and yet we recognize the deep disappointment it may bring to our student-athletes, families, alumni, and supporters.

While we will not be sharing specific details out of respect for the privacy of those involved, we can share that the team's conduct during a university sponsored trip did not align with the values and expectations of our program and Cornell Athletics. As a result, several educational and corrective actions are being implemented to support learning and accountability.

We remain committed to fostering a team culture rooted in integrity, respect, and responsibility. This moment, while extremely difficult, presents an opportunity for reflection and growth. Our best hope is that our student-athletes will emerge from this experience with a stronger understanding of the opportunities, challenges, and responsibilities of leadership and team affiliation. Our administration and coaching staff are committed to fostering an environment that encourages and reinforces these intentions.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding as we work together to uphold the standards of excellence that define our Cornell athletics community.

Sincerely,

Nicki W. Moore, Ph.D.
Meakem & Smith Director of Athletics & Physical Education