San Diego Lunch Draws Top Trojans

Stu Neffeler hosted San Diego’s most loyal Trojans for ‘lunch with the Coach’ at the San Diego Yacht Club in October.

Coach Gene Kininmonth gave a first-hand account of the recent progress of the team and outlined his goals for the future of the Trojan Navy.

“The return of the men’s crew is a remarkable testament to the value of a USC education,” said Coach K. “After men’s rowing was stripped of its varsity status, it was the students that formed a new crew, hired coaches and brought back alumni support. The story is remarkable,” he said.

Recently appointed member of the Board of Trustees, Ann Hill, attended the luncheon along with past presidents of the Trojan Club Rick Barrett, Bob Streff, Ray Webber and Don Clausen. Other’s present included crew members Lee Markusen ‘04 and coxswain Lisa Reed ‘06, as well as USC Associate members Mike McCloskey ‘73, Andy Westhem ‘55 and Jack Schumacher ‘54, who are also past Trojan oarsmen.

Following the luncheon Coach K was asked what it would cost to run a nationally ranked program: “Not counting scholarships, about $200,000 annually,” he replied.

The program will spend almost $150,000 this year.