July 19, 2004

This past July, the USC Men’s Crew team did not celebrate the patriotic Fourth of July holiday on U.S. soil, but instead, the Trojan Navy spent America's Independence Day on the banks of the England's historical and world renowned Henley Royal Regatta. The trip across the Atlantic provided the Men's Crew team a great opportunity to represent the university as an international institution, as well as to get to know the alumni, donors, and university trustees who personally attended the regatta.

All members of the Trojan family that attended showed unconditional enthusiasm and support for the program, regardless of the fierce competition that the straight four faced.

USC faced Molsey Boat Club in its heat. The Molsey crew represented Great Britain at the 2003 Nations Cup and were 18 lbs per man bigger than our Trojans. Undaunted by the size disadvantage, USC's oarsmen charged off the starting pontoon and were even with Molsey until the end of Temple Island.

"At that point we were exposed to a furious cross wind," said port oarsman Tommy Simoneau. "No doubt Molsey faced similar conditions but they were able to manage better with their greater size."

Molsey pulled away to win by 4 1/2 boat lengths.
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In the spirit of Henley, England, and after watching the first day of races, coxswain Emily Chin was inspired to write and recite a poem, written in iambic pentameter. It was presented at the Leander dinner hosted for our overseas and British supporters at the famous Leander Club:

Ode to the Trojans at the Henley Royal Regatta

A drop of rain splatters upon the ground,
And there, skimming between water and sky,
Amidst the great gusts of cool English air,
This Navy drives each stroke strong and blade high.

Countless coaches call across for their crews,
Each boat striking a rhythm loud and clear,
And, echoing upon the river Thames,
Competition for the gold prize appears.

Anticipation for that first race calls,
As Day One passes in a wash of rain,
Against the current, against history,
Worthy crews race, oars drive, and muscles strain.

For one crisp catch to cut like sun through storm,
To push each cardinal and gold oar,
To send this boat through the green of the Thames,
Each stroke with the grandstand’s applause & roars.

Regardless, there is victory enough
For this crew to hold heads high and to don
The cardinal and gold of USC
In Henley-on-Thames, Trojan Navy, Fight On!

The four USC rowers faced medaled Olympians, national crews, and winning collegiate boats, and knew they were up against some of the best competition in the world. The opportunity to race against such legendary rowers was an honor in itself. The Henley regatta will go down in USC Men’s Crew history as the one of the most memorable experiences, not just for the four men rowing but also the program's alumni, donors, and supporters.

Unfortunately the festivities ended all too quickly, but not before the crew enjoyed a wonderful luncheon hosted by university trustee Lord James Hanson at the Royal Thames Yacht Club after the last day of the Regatta.