After 37 years at the helm, Dr. Gavin White is retiring from the Men’s Crew Head Coach after this season.
Residing in the concrete city, White steered his teams towards success on the water. He captured 20 Dad Vail Regatta Varsity 8 titles. From 1989-2001, White’s teams were unbeaten, taking the title for 13 consecutive years. White guided the team out of the Schuylkill River and into international waters as well. His teams received seven invitations to Great Britain’s Royal Henley Regatta, one of most revered rowing events in the UK.
His success also extends beyond Philadelphia. He was honored as the 2003 Schuylkill Navy Coach of the Year, and led the Men’s four at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. He coached the U.S. National Rowing team five times.
“I have been so very fortunate to be able to do what I love for four decades,” said White. “There are so many people to thank, starting with the late great Temple coach Tom “Bear” Curran, who gave me my start. I am also thankful for the Temple administration through the years that has supported my efforts and the program.”
White started his collegiate career at Temple, rowing for the Cherry & White for three years (1971-1973). White then served as an assistant for three seasons before becoming only the second head coach in Temple Crew history. In his 37 years, White only stepped down one time- to pursue his doctoral degree in 1986.
“Gavin White will always be synonymous with Temple Crew,”said Athletic Director Patrick Kraft. “He has not only succeeded on the river, with a record 20 Dad Vail Championships, but more importantly in molding boys into men.”
Three of White’s athletes have gone to become Olympians, including Jason Read, who took home the Gold for the USA in the Men’s Eight at the 2004 games. He also coached World Champion Chris Kerber, who took home the title in 1992 in the for the USA Lightweight.
In 1985, White was inducted into the Temple Athletic Hall of Fame.
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