Friends of Nebraska Rowing
Just as big programs like those on the East Coast have their own network of alumni to provide financial support and other means of assistance to their old team, so too did Nebraska Crew begin its own alumni association in order to gain financial support and provide a way for old members to keep in touch with one another.
The Friends of Nebraska Rowing was an organization composed of alumni, parents, businesses, and anyone else who wished to support the team. Members received annual newsletters and were invited to all crew functions, including the annual banquet. Several tiers of financial support were available for those wishing to make a donation, and small incentives were offered for each. The Friends of Rowing were also invited to the annual team banquet in the winter and picnic in the Spring. In this way, the team was able to provide another means of financial support for itself to compensate from the lack of funding from the University.
Friends of Rowing Pamphlet - Inside
Big Red Rowing
Rowing is the oldest collegiate sport in America. Founded at the University of Nebraska in 1971, Crew began with only two shells (boats) as a club sport. Now, six years later, Crew is an independent varsity sport with sixteen racing shells. Between fifty and sixty oarsmen and oarswomen annually compete, making Nebraska crew the second largest sport on campus. Men's and women's teams compete on heavyweight and lightweight levels. Rowing at Nebraska is a sport for everyone.
Crew is a fall and spring sport, requiring year-round training by the athletes. Rowing ranks as one of the most physically demanding of all sports. Only marathon running and Olympic cross country skiing require more endurance. Athletes train many hours by weight-lifting, long distance running, running stadium stairs, and practicing technique during on-the-water workouts. A boathouse rowing tank is being built.
All this training pays for students involved with Crew. During the competition season Crew travels to other campuses across the nation. The learning experience gained from this competition is invaluable. The University of Nebraska has won the Big Eight conference Rowing Championship for the last two years. In 1974, Nebraska's Varsity Crew placed fifth at the Intercollegiate National Championships. In 1976, two of Nebraska's Varsity Oarswomen won gold medals a the national championships. They went on to compete at the Olympic Trials.
Crew has raced successfully at regattas throughout the nation. Midwest rivals include Wisconsin, Notre Dame, Minnesota, Purdue, Kansas State and Oklahoma State. National competition includes Harvard, Princeton, Penn., and other traditional rowing powers from around the country.
Student athletes get a great sense of pride and accomplishment from the sport of rowing. Along with the Husker football program, the Crew has proven to be one of the most competitive athletic ventures at Nebraska. Yet, the team receives no direct, on-going support from the athletic department. Representing Nebraska in a major college schedule is accomplished by the donations from alumni, groups, and other supporters of Nebraska Crew.
Friends of Rowing Pamphlet - Outside
FRIENDS OF NEBRASKA ROWING
Friends of Nebraska Rowing is the primary support group for the rowing team, and is comprised of supporters of Crew, alumni, and parents. Crew is independent in that it receives no direct, ongoing financial support from the athletic department or the University. In order to ensure the continued success of the program, it is critical to establish an annual ongoing financial base. Crew has made ggreat strides in the past by the hard work and determination of everyone involved. The immediate and long rage future of Nebraska's rowing program depends on your swift action. Crew would appreciate your consideration and support. Donation opportunities are listed below.
COMMODORES CLUB: Individuals or businesses donating $100 or more annually reicieve a beautiful Nebraska Crew momento, a rowing booster packet containing a colorful bumper sticker, periodic newsletters of Crew activities, and an invitation to both the spring picnic and the annual Crew Banquet.
CAPTAINS CLUB: Individuals or businesses donating $25-$100 annually receive a Crew booster packet, periodic newsletters, and an invitation to the annual spring picnic and the Crew banquet.
VARSITY BOAT CLUB: Open only to former oarsmen and oarswomen who rowed at Nebraska. $15 for Crew alumni out of school three years or less, $25 after three years. Members have the opportunity to row in alumni races, receive the booster packet, periodic newsletters and invitations to the spring picnic and crew banquet.
Funds generated through annual donations by members go toward operating expenses, "keeping the door open", and partially fulfilling coaching salaries. Travel, uniforms, and other expenses will continue to be met by student athlete fund raising projects.
1. Complete enclosed donation card in full.
2. Enclose card and check in the foundation's pre-stamped return envelope.
3. Make checks payable to FRIENDS OF NEBRASKA ROWING CREW.
4. Drop your investment in the mail. Consider yourself welcome to any Crew activity at any time. Thank you.