As of October 1, 2007

Student Officers:
Captain: Adam Fish ‘08
Vice-Captain: Jonathan Brown ‘08
Treasurer: Nic Babikian ‘08
Shell & Oar: Charlotte West ‘10

Coaching Staff:
Gene Kininmonth
Joseph Richards

Crew Board: (present at August 30 meeting)
Mike Cook
Stan Mullin
Jim Hoffman
Jack Schumacher (excused)
Don Ludwig, Director RecSports
Mike Dominguez, Club Coordinator

First Quarter Highlights
The Fall Racing season begins in the second quarter. See the website schedule for details. The program returned 20 oarsmen and three coxswains from last year and another twenty students made the novice team following try-outs and a round of cuts.


Oarsmen from the 2007-2008 USC Mens Novice Crew.

Equipment Report:
The Crew took possession of four new SykesUSA racing pairs during the 1st quarter. The team now has six pairs, which allows the varsity squad to race each other in small boats. The next two purchases will be a new state-of-the-art racing eight-man shell to be named “Lord James Hanson” to honor the memory of the late USC Trustee for his support of the University and its Crew.



Temporary Boatshed:
In August, Coach Kininmonth reported to the Crew Board that the Athletic Department had approved the Crew’s request to erect an aluminum boat shed in the boathouse yard to house the team’s equipment. At present, the team’s shells & oars are stored on outdoor racks and exposed to the elements alongside the old boathouse, which is now home to the USC Women’s team. Coach K said the Athletic Department had applied for a permit for a 24’W x 80’L structure from the L.A. Harbor Department on behalf of the Men’s Crew in August and as of the middle of October this was still being processed. Mike Cook surveyed the space allocated and total cost of the structure and site preparation is expected to be $40,000. This boatshed will meet all engineering requirements and wind shear demands yet it flexible enough to be relocated if necessary. It was noted by the Crew Board that the USC Men’s Crew is the only college-rowing program on the west coast without a boathouse.


Parents' Day 2007.

Staff Report:
Over the summer, the Crew Board successfully retained the services of Head Coach Gene Kininmonth, who returns for his sixth year and Joseph Richards, who returns for his third year. Coach K will coach the novice program in the fall semester and then return to coaching the varsity squad in the spring. Coach Richards reported to the Board that he is excited to be turning his hand to a new challenge with the novice squad in the spring. It is hoped that the switch will also provide additional insight and coaching from both coaches to both squads and also bring even more camaraderie to the Trojan Navy.

Fundraising Report:
USC Men’s Crew would like to acknowledge last year’s generous donors LISTED HERE. The crew received a record $435,000 in gifts and pledges in the 2006-07 year. Funds have been appropriated for salaries and fixed costs for the 2007-08 season and funding of scholarships is also now being explored. The Crew Board will determine at the end of the year if an appropriate level of funds are available for an endowment to fund the future of the program.

Financial Report:
The Crew Board will disclose pertinent financials for the program following the completion of the Annual Giving campaign in the Half-Yearly Report in January.

Budget:
As a club sport Men’s Crew does not receive University funding and must restrict spending to funds raised from student dues and alumni/parent support. The Crew has run a minimal net surplus in each of the last five years in the range of $10,000 to $20,000. The Crew Board will enjoy a net surplus in the 2007 fiscal year of over $150,000, with funds raised in advance for 2008 salaries and equipment commitments. The Crew Board does not adhere to a strict budget but rather establishes spending priorities based on current and seasonal needs as funds permit. Leading priorities include equipment maintenance, uniforms, coaches’ salaries, local travel for competition and communications (website/newsletter/marketing). Decisions regarding new equipment purchases (such as boats) or overseas travel are made when donors of large gifts designate funds for such purpose.

Note: Next Crew Board meeting will be held at 10am at the USC Lyon Center on Thursday, October 25, 2007. All alumni and parents of the Trojan Navy are welcome to attend.