On May 10 the Trojan Navy's varsity heavyweight crew defeated UCLA in dramatic fashion, setting a new school record in the process and then not only did the Trojan Navy's stars align but the USC Men's Crew enjoyed a lunar eclipse for "The Oarsman's Banquet" on Thursday evening as well.

Indeed, eighty alums and parents joined the crew for a sumptuous feast at Shanghai Reds restaurant in Marina del Rey, where all enjoyed a night of wit and fellowship.

Former Olympic Swim Team Coach, Don Lamont, opened the evening and then Trojan Navy Chairman Jack Schumacher '54 gave the State of the Crew address. Emotions ran high as big screen video presentations were shown to celebrate the very first USC crews as well as todays oarsmen in action following which the founder of the Crew, Julian Wolf, spoke of the earliest days of the Trojan Navy and gave a tribute to the memory of Coach Bob Hillen. All stood for a moment of silence in memory of Coach.

After awards were presented and today's coaches Brooks Jones and Gene Kininmonth made their comments, the evening closed out strong with the video replaying of last weekend's huge race against UCLA put to music. What a night!

Awards were presented to the following oarsmen:

FRESHMAN AWARDS
MVP: Kevin Lorell
Most Improved: Andy Lemke
Most Inspirational: Paul Idzikowski

VARSITY AWARDS
MVP: Laura Foster
Most Dedicated: Blair Jones
Best Utility Oarsman: Tommy Simoneau

The Trojan Navy would like to thank all who attended "The Oarsmen's Banquet" for their contribution to helping to make the event such a wonderful celebration for the Crew.