The Bob Schaeffer Years

UCLA continues under the guidance of Bob Schaeffer and the beginning of the Western Sprints and Harbach Cup.

UCLA struggles behind established and emerging teams.

1950 - 1963

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1950 - 1963 |

Bob Schaeffer, UCLA Head Coach

1950

The Southern Campus cited that “tireless work by the Men’s Rowing Club and Shell and Oar convinced the Board of Control that the Bruin student body again wanted to hear the encouraging shouts of the coxswain and watch the slender shells rush ahead under the effortless strokes of the Bruin athletes.” “Crew”, Southern Campus, 1950, 463. After a one-year hiatus, the Bruins returned to rowing on Ballona Creek in the spring after an early December petition drive and opposing consideration of selling off the rowing equipment. The petition tallied over 4,000 signatures. In addition to fighting the sale of the crew equipment the Student Executive Council had twice approved the reinstatement of the sport only to fail in the Board of Control. The proponents claimed that the program could get by on $5,000 instead of the $20,000 cited by the athletic department and that facilities at Ballona Creek were adequate for rowing. The athletic department had stated that they would only support rowing but only if they could have it “the right way.” This right way meant “a full-time paid coach, adequate supervision of equipment, and proper training facilities.” “Circulation of Crew Petitions To Begin by Organizations”, UCLA Daily Bruin, 5 Dec 1949, 8. For the campus at large other weighty matters in the fall included retaining football coach Red Sanders and the increase in the price of a cup of coffee in cafeterias from five cents to eight cents. The Board of Control approved the petition but only granted $2,000. Bob Schaeffer, the 1943 varsity stroke at Cal, was signed as coach along with the purchase of two new shells and the construction of a new training barge. “Prospective Crewmen Signed Up in Revived Water Activity”, UCLA Daily Bruin, 14 Feb 1950, 3. Bob Schaeffer was the head coach and Arnold Hagiwara the team manager for the team that numbered as many as 65 oarsmen.

In three races against USC, the Bruins lost the first meeting by one-length, but won the other two meetings. USC was coached by past UCLA coach Bob Hillen. Hillen was employed in the physical education department of the Santa Monica school system and coached USC on a volunteer basis. In their first meeting on April 15 at Long Beach Marine Stadium USC (7:38) won the varsity race by three-quarters of a length, the race coming down to the final 100 yards. The Bruins (7:40) won the junior varsity race by a length over the Trojan JV. Bob McVay, “USC Crew Tops Bruin varsity in Season Opener; Junior Varsity Wins”, UCLA Daily Bruin, 17 Apr 1950, 5. On April 22 Stanford’s 3V 8 (6:45) defeated UCLA’s 3V by four and one-half lengths, and Stanford’s frosh crew (6:48) defeated the Bruin frosh by two lengths “Stanford No. 3 Crew Defeats UCLA Boat”, Daily Palo Alto Times, 22 Apr 1950, 10. as part of four crew Stanford trip to Southern California with the first two Stanford crews racing USC and a thrown together race for the other two Stanford boats against UCLA. In the May 8 meeting of the Bruins and the Trojans, UCLA (6:41) won by three lengths even without their regular stroke oar, Bob Bland who was suffering from a strained back “New UCLA Crews Wins Test Against USC”, San Luis Obispo Telegram-Tribune, 8 May 1950, 5. with three ripped vertebrae with Dave Rich moved up from the JV crew and Herley Beesley moved from the #4 seat in the varsity eight to stroke. The Trojan JV (6:36) finished ahead of the UCLA JV and frosh crews. In the final race of the spring season on May 29 Cal (6:06), defending IRA champion, placed first over the Bruin varsity by two and one-quarter lengths with USC in third. Cal’s junior varsity bettered the UCLA junior varsity by two and one-half lengths. “California Crew Wins Regatta”, Pomona Progress Bulletin, 29 May 1950, 15.

In a rain swollen and shortened (2 miles instead of 3) IRA regatta at Marietta, Ohio, the first three varsity crews were Washington, California and Stanford.

1951

What was happening in post-WW II in 1950 for West Coast collegiate rowing? While there were the races between programs including the Washington-California dual and the Stanford-California “Big Row” [three miles even in 1959], the Harbach Cup beginning in 1956 among UCLA-Stanford-Southern California there was not a single championship for the seven colleges rowing at that time. Enter the “Western Sprints” or “Intercollegiate Crew Regatta” hosted for several years from 1951 until 1955 by the Newport-Balboa Chamber of Commerce. Sprints because it was 2,000 meters not the two to four mile distance raced by California, Washington and Stanford in their meets and the IRA.

Referred to as the “Intercollegiate Crew Regatta” the Chamber of Commerce had hopes that the regatta would become an annual event. Jack Geyer, “Cal Galley Slaves Beat Three Crews”, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr 1951, 89, 94. The first year suffered from a quartering wind on the Lido Channel.

Varsity 8: California’s #6 suffered a broken footboard with 250 to go, but by then the win was certain. Stanford was stroked by Duvall Hecht, who would eventually coach the Bruins, matched strokes with Cal but finished three lengths behind the Bears but four lengths ahead of the third-place Bruins.
California 6:29.6 | Stanford 6:43 | UCLA 7:02.4 | Southern California 7:44.9

Junior Varsity 8: The Pickle boat consisted of three spares from Southern California, four from UCLA and one rower from Stanford
Stanford 7:02.6 | UCLA 7:20.5 | Pickle boat (spares) 7:30.7

In what the Bruins hoped would an improved result from the four-team race the previous weekend’s race in Newport, where they finished behind Stanford, Stanford and UCLA met on Ballona Creek. The Stanford varsity (6:21) defeated UCLA (6:31) by two and one-half lengths pulling ahead after the 1000 meter mark having raised their rating from 36 to 40. With a more favorable tide producing a faster time, Stanford’s junior varsity (6:18) defeated UCLA by four lengths. “Tribe Crew Gains Victory Over Bruins”, Oakland Tribune, 21 Apr 1951, 11. Following spring vacation the Bruin squad made their first appearance outside of Southern California since 1947 when they traveled to the Oakland Estuary to race Cal. After leading in the early part of the race the Bruins were passed by Cal (6:05) who won by two and one-half lengths. In the junior varsity race Cal (6:18) defeated their Bruin counterparts by three lengths. “California Oarsmen Defeat Uclans on Northern Course”, UCLA Daily Bruin, 8 May 1951, 4. The season was characterized as including credible performances, although the Bruins were not included in the end of season Pacific Coast race including Cal, Washington and Stanford.

1952

UCLA raced in three dual races against USC and Stanford in addition to the regatta in Newport. In the first race of the season week UCLA (7:03.2) defeated USC by a length and one-quarter. The Bruins travel north where Stanford (6:06) beat the Bruin varsity by one and one-quarter lengths. The UCLA junior varsity finished two-lengths behind the Stanford junior varsity. Schaeffer indicated that “rowing form would head the practice agenda” as they prepared for their next race against USC. “Crewmen Lose Race At Stanford”, UCLA Daily Bruin, 12 May 1952, 6. In a second meeting of the season between UCLA and USC on May 17, the Bruins won by 2/10 second in a time of 6:30.

The regatta on May 24 had grown since its first year and used the “Western Sprint” title and included the University of British Columbia and Oregon State, but not the University of Washington who would not attend until the final year of the regatta in 1955. Fred de Lano, “Cal Crew Defeats Stanford; Takes Western Sprint Title”, Long Beach Press-Telegram, 25 May 1952, 25. In both the heat and the consolation final UCLA and Oregon State were clawing at each other. In the final after several minutes of discussion, the referees gave second place to Oregon State by a yard over the Bruins. Lucille Ball was the official hostess of the regatta.

Varsity 8 heat 1
Stanford 6:53.8 | Oregon State 7:04.6 | UCLA 7:05.8
Varsity 8 heat 2
California 6:58.9 | British Columbia 7:06.8 | Southern California 7:30
Varsity 8 consolation final: Oregon State moved ahead of UCLA in the final 200 meters.
British Columbia 7:08.6 | Oregon State 7:15.4 | UCLA 7:16.3 | Southern California 7:30.8
Varsity 8 final: Midway through the race, Stanford was beginning to move even with California, the #3 of Stanford caught a crab. He was using an unfamiliar oar after his usual oar had cracked following their heat victory. The mishap allowed California to finish six lengths ahead.
California 6:46.8 | Stanford 7:04.9

Junior Varsity 8
California 5:49.2 | Stanford 7:00.5 | UCLA 7:15.8 | Pickle boat (spares) 7:33.6

1953

Shell & Oar coed support auxiliary of the crew, among 38 members pictured in the *Southern Campus*.

The Bruin oarsmen were hoping to be the only UCLA major spring sport to beat rival USC Trojans for three years in a row, however the Trojans had been practicing on the water since October. In March the Bruins were training with four varsity eights but were lacking in numbers for the freshman squad. The Bruin oarsmen still faced challenges of having sufficient water flowing in Ballona Creek due to tides. Their opening competition against USC was scheduled for the first week in April, being earlier than usual and the Bruins were also plagued by eligibility issues preventing the use of several key oarsmen. Although Coach Schaeffer was hopeful of the spirt shown by his oarsmen they succumbed to USC by three lengths and were seen as being “completely out of the race after 1000 meters.” The Bruin JV was six lengths back in their race while the Trojans “coasted in with ease.” “SC Outsprints Bruin Crew, In Easy Three Length Win”, UCLA Daily Bruin, 6 Apr 1953, 6. The loss was blamed on poor physical condition of the Bruins and 40 miles per week training was their prescription. The Bruin team had three weeks before meeting their next rival Stanford.

Stanford swept the Bruins in a dual at Newport on April 25. Stanford (7:32) defeated the Bruins by four lengths in the varsity race. Stanford’s JV finished ahead of UCLA with times of 7:26.5 and 7:37.3. In the first time in three years the Bruin frosh raced, Stanford rowed the course in 8:14.7 compared to UCLA’s frosh in a time of 8:51.5. “Tribe Oarsmen Complete Sweep”, Long Beach Independent, 26 Apr 1953, 49.

In the annual Ben Wallis Cup, Cal (6:13) defeated UCLA by four and one-half lengths on the Oakland Estuary. The junior varsity race included a barge pulling in front of the Bruins hindering their progress with the Bears (6:27) winning. The remaining competitions on the Bruin’s schedule were a rematch at home against USC and the regatta in Newport. In the rematch with USC the Bruin crews showed improvement though the Bruin varsity was still one length behind the Trojans (6:11) at the end of the race after moving to even at halfway. The UCLA JV was an upset victor over the Trojan crew having raised their stroke rating at the 1500 meter mark and moved ahead to an eight foot advantage.

The 1953 “Western Sprints” regatta at Newport grew by adding a four-oared event, though the number of colleges remained at six, with Washington still absent. The number of spectators numbered ten thousand. During the regatta the wind changed from a following tail wind to a head wind. Jack Geyer, “Cal Rowers Score Four-Length Win”, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 1953, 67. Cal’s coach Ebright credited Schaeffer as being “the man mainly responsible for the successful expansion of Crew at UCLA in recent years.” Robert Frassetto, UCLA Crew – A Half Century (Los Angeles, 1978), 34.

Varsity 8 heat 1
Stanford 6:36.6 | UCLA 6:41.6 | Oregon State 6:53.8
Varsity 8 heat 2
California 6:29.8 | British Columbia 6:32.8 | Southern California 6:33.8
Varsity 8 consolation final
Southern California 6:56.1 | British Columbia 7:02.2 | UCLA 7:08.7 | Oregon State 7:10.1
Varsity 8 final: California jumped into the lead and continued to widen the distance in front of Stanford.
California 7:05.9 | Stanford 7:22.5

Junior Varsity 8 heat 1: a late sprint by Cal held off the sprint by UCLA
California 6:52 | UCLA 6:58 | Pickle Boat (spares) 7:47.7
Junior Varsity 8 heat 2
Stanford 6:38.7 | British Columbia 7:02.5 | Southern California 7:08.9
Junior Varsity 8 final
California 7:18.3 | Stanford 7:37.3

4+ heat 1
San Diego RC 7:23.7 | Southern California 7:39.2 | Lido RC 8:52.1
4+ heat 2: the UCLA crew was made up of oarsmen from the freshman eight and the finish was very close
Stanford 7:42 | UCLA 7:42.1 | Oregon State 8:06
4+ final
San Diego RC 8:12.9 | Stanford 8:24.9

The Bruins closed the season with hope for greater success in 1954. The Bruin varsity had scored meager success since its resumption as a varsity sport following suspension in fall of 1948.

1954

UCLA competed in several 3-mile races in addition to several 2000 meter competitions. USC’s performance in a loss to Stanford encouraged the Bruin team even though they had a “small turnout, illness and ineligibility” issues were hindering the Bruin squad. Jim Harrigan, “Crew Picture Darkens As Trojan Opener Approaches”, UCLA Daily Bruin, 12 Apr 1954, 7. This included Ward Morris a transfer from USC required to sit out a year after transferring. In the Cal race, the Bears had five returning lettermen compared to UCLA’s one and seven freshmen. The small size of the team prevented it from forming two competitive varsity crews that could push each other. Cal was boating five varsity crews while the Bruins had one varsity crew and one frosh crew.

In the opening race of the season USC (6:20.5) defeated UCLA (6:26) by two lengths erasing a one-quarter length UCLA lead at halfway. The Trojans also captured the freshman race by four-lengths, finishing in a times of 6:58 to 7:14. The Bruin frosh got off to a slow start and later in the race encountered the wake of a water taxi on the Willington course causing to nearly fill the shell. “USC Oarsmen Best UCLA Crew in 2,000 Meter Test”, UCLA Daily Bruin, 19 Apr 1954, 8. Racing a 3-mile race for the first time in their history, the Bruins (18:45.3) defeated Stanford (19:45.3) by fifteen lengths on April 24 at Wilmington. The Bruins also won the two-mile freshman race by three lengths in a time of 13:01.5. “UCLA Sets Back Stanford Crew”, Oakland Tribune, 25 Apr 1954, 54. At the Oakland Estuary Cal swept the Bruins. The Cal (16:15) varsity won by five boat-lengths in the 3-mile race though the Bruins were close until the sprint, and the Cal frosh (11:03) won by two and one-half lengths in the 2-mile race. In the return match against the Trojans, USC (17:35) won by eight lengths over the Bruins (18:04) on a three mile course. USC took an early lead and gradually pulled away. “Crewmen Whip UCLA Again”, Daily Trojan 17 May 1954, 3. The UCLA frosh (10:52.3) won their 2-mile race over USC’s JV by five lengths. “Trojan Eight Beats Bruins”, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 1954, 66.

This was the first year for junior college Orange Coast in rowing competition. The Bruin frosh crew was guided by Ed Barry. Culminating their strong season, the UCLA frosh (7:04) defeated Orange Coast (7:19) by three and one-half lengths. Jim Harrigan, “Frosh Whip Coast Oarsmen to Complete Successful Year”, UCLA Daily Bruin, 24 May 1954, 7.

The Western Sprint regatta in Newport included the varsity of the U.S. Naval Academy, containing six members of their 1952 Olympic gold medal crew and completed their 28th consecutive first place finish at this regatta. Also a winner at the regatta was national champion single sculler John B. Kelly, Jr. from Philadelphia. The number of spectators on shore and private boats was estimated at 20,000. “Navy Crew Rows to Expected Victory”, Santa Ana Register, 30 May 1954, 33, 34. Due to the number on entrants and the speed of the other teams, Oregon State transferred their entry from the varsity to the junior varsity category. Jim Harrigan, “Bruin Crew Vies In West Sprints At Newport”, UCLA Daily Bruin, 26 May 1954, 8. UCLA’s varsity finished last among the field.

Junior Varsity 8
California 6:52.7 | Southern California 7:10 | Stanford 7:14.3 | Oregon State 7:25.2

4+
San Diego RC 8:00.6 | Oregon State 8:19.2 | Orange Coast 8:37.1

The prospects for the Bruins in 1955 looked strong given the returning varsity oarsmen and successful freshmen. Late in June it was announced that Navy would return all its trophies from the season since its varsity coxswain had been ineligible for the past two years. “Navy to Return Oaring Trophies”, UCLA Daily Bruin, 30 Jun 1954, 4.

1955

This season, UCLA’s varsity crew was primarily composed of sophomores, returning from the successful frosh crew of 1954. On April 9 Stanford swept the three visiting USC crews at Redwood Harbor, 5:55 to 6:04 in the varsity race, “Three Trojan Crews Beaten By Tribe; JV Whips OCC”, Daily Trojan, 12 Apr 1955, 3. and at Newport Orange Coast’s JV (7:13) defeated UCLA’s frosh crew by five lengths. Stanford opened their new course at Redwood City hosting Oregon State on March 23, USC, UCLA and Cal in separate dual races. “Besides the new course, they have a new boat house, built almost entirely by their own hands, and a new coach, Lou Lindsay” who had been a coxswain at Cal 1939-1942. “Crew Opens ‘New’ season March 23”, Stanford Daily, 4 Mar 1955, 4.

The season opening race against USC was to be 3-miles for the varsity and 2000 meters for the JV. There was a last minute freshman call out in the Daily Bruin for “’three strong, husky lads who are willing to do some hard work.’ Previous experience is not necessary but would be helpful.” “Varsity, JV Crews Meet SC At Pedro Harbor Tomorrow”, UCLA Daily Bruin, 22 Apr 1955, 7. Several Bruin frosh basketball players answered the call. The Trojans (18:20) won the varsity race. They led from the beginning and kept moving away from the Bruins (18:46). The UCLA JV (7:25) defeated both the USC JV and Frosh crews, with the lead two crews even at halfway then the Bruins pulling to a two-length victory by the finish. “SC Crew Downs Sluggish Bruins For Seventh Win”, UCLA Daily Bruin, 2 May 1955, 6.

On May 7 Cal swept the Bruins on the Oakland Estuary. In the 3-mile varsity race Cal (15:41) won by six boat lengths, with the Bruins withering after the first mile having held an early length and one-half lead. Cal (10:13) led from the beginning in the 2-mile JV race winning by five lengths, and the Cal frosh (10:19) also won their race. “Bear Shells Sweep Over Bruins”, San Francisco Examiner, 8 May 1955, 49. Following the racing against Cal, Coach Schaeffer hoped for better success in a shorter distance rematch against USC also owing to an additional month of training, especially in the JV and frosh races. However, the result was not in the Bruin’s favor as the Daily Bruin described the USC sweep as “all but crushed Bruin crew hopes” in describing the three events. “Trojans Demolish Oarsmen’s Hopes”, UCLA Daily Bruin, 16 May 1955, 7. Despite heavy winds and rough water USC were narrow victors over the Bruins in times of 6:05 to 6:09 in the varsity event; 6:17 to 6:22 in the JV; and 6:39 versus 6:41 in the frosh race on Ballona Creek. “Trojans Take Triple From Bruins in Crew”, Daily Trojan 16 May 1955, 3.

The Bruins were again hopeful prior to their trip to race Stanford since several oarsmen had recovered from illnesses and the proceeds of a raffle meant that the traveling Bruins would stay in a hotel instead of a fraternity on the trip. “Crew Leaves Meet Indians”, UCLA Daily Bruin, 20 May 1955, 7. On May 21 host Stanford swept UCLA on their Redwood City Harbor course. Stanford (14:59) won the 3-mile varsity event by three lengths after establishing an early lead and dropping the stroke rate to 25 after the first mile. “Crew Sweep Harbor Against Bruins”, Stanford Daily, 23 May 1955, 3. A 3-mile distance was used for the first time in their season to allow Stanford to prepare for their race against Cal over that distance. UCLA’s JV had a lead at the start but finished by two lengths behind Stanford. The Stanford freshman (6:12) won their 2000 meter race by three lengths. “The freshman race was delayed twice due to an oarlock and a ‘crab’ at the start.” “Stanford Team Win Crew Meet From UCLA”, Daily Palo Alto Times, 21 May 1955, 1.

The 1955 Western Sprint regatta in Newport included the return of the Navy’s midshipmen back for a victory, along with John B. Kelly Jr, the national champion racing and winning the men’s single. Heats were raced in the morning with the finals following in the afternoon. Washington attended for the first time in the varsity 8 but was not victorious. Jack Geyer, “Navy Oarsmen Win at Newport”, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 1955, 36.

Varsity 8 heat 1
Navy 6:40.1 | California 6:46.3 | UCLA 6:54 | Oregon State 7:07.7
Varsity 8 heat 2 Washington went all out, finishing twelve seconds faster than the winning time in the final
Washington 6:32.4 | Stanford 6:36.7 | British Columbia 6:40.4 | Southern California 6:51.5
Varsity 8 consolation final
British Columbia 6:54.8 | Southern California 7:07.8 | UCLA 7:19 | Oregon State 7:37
Varsity 8 final Stanford was the surprise crew moving from fourth position at the 1000 meter mark, past a fading Cal and defeating previously unbeaten Washington by one-quarter length their first time defeating the Huskies since 1915. Jim Pigott, “Card Crew Naps Second In Regatta at Newport”, Stanford Daily, 30 May 1955, 1.
Navy 6:44.5 | Stanford 6:47.9 | Washington 6:48.6 | California 6:52.7

4+
San Diego RC 7:15.4 | Orange Coast 7:18.7 | UCLA 7:34.9 | Southern California 8:04.7

The “Western Rowing Sprint Regatta” was not held in 1956 nor 1957 by host Southwest Rowing Associates in Newport Beach, citing an inability of the colleges to agree on a date and an annual cost of $3,000 to sponsor. “Rowing Sprint Regatta Again Canceled”, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr 1957, 200.

1956

A record number of freshmen filled four shells. A new shell christened “Westwood Chancellor” by Mrs. Raymond Allen, wife of UCLA’s first Chancellor serving from 1951 to 1959. This was the first shell acquisition for the Bruins since 1951. A trip considered to the IRA in Syracuse did not occur. The first competition of the season on April 14 was against USC in varsity, junior varsity and UCLA’s frosh crew racing USC’s 3V/frosh. The loss of two UCLA varsity oarsmen depleted the starboard side with the drafting of Walt Vendtley and the ineligibility of Al Bailey. Bob Leventhal, “UCLA Crew Preps For Race With SC”, UCLA Daily Bruin, 28 Mar 1956, 16. The Bruin varsity and JV were close in their races with USC, but finished second only two seconds behind in the varsity race (6:23 and 6:25) and nine seconds behind in the JV race (6:37 to 6:46). This extended USC’s string of victories over UCLA’s varsity. The Bruin frosh won by eighteen seconds (6:50) finishing two and one-half lengths ahead of the Trojans. “Trojan Crew Beats Bruins in First Races”, UCLA Daily Bruin, 17 Apr 1956, 4.

In the next race on April 21 UCLA hosted both Cal and USC. USC scored an upset by defeating Cal by two feet, with the Bruin varsity third, four-lengths behind the winner. This was the first time that either USC or UCLA had defeated Cal. In the JV race, Cal was the victor with USC four-lengths back and the Bruins another half length behind in third place. “SC Crew Tops Bears; UCLA Finishes Third”, UCLA Daily Bruin, 23 Apr 1956, 7. The results caused Coach Schaeffer to consider shifting some of his JV oarsmen to the varsity shell. “Oarsmen Preparing For Trojan Race”, UCLA Daily Bruin, 26 Apr 1956, 4. The UCLA frosh defeated the Orange Coast JV after a terrific sprint at the end of a race where the lead changed twice. “Frosh Crew Nips Braves by Inches”, UCLA Daily Bruin, 25 Apr 1956, 7.

The third meeting of USC and UCLA varsities on May 5 was raced over a 3-mile course in the Los Angeles Harbor, the JVs would race 2-miles and the frosh crews 2000 meters. The Trojans won the varsity race by seven lengths 19:01 to 19:36. USC also won the junior varsity race 11:30 to 11:35, while UCLA won the freshman race in 7:11 to USC’s 7:37. “USC Crew Easily Defeats Bruins”, Oakland Tribune, 6 May 1956, 55.

After their loss to USC, Cal also lost to Stanford. On May 13 the Bruin varsity (15:47) lost a 3-mile race to Cal (14:53) by twelve lengths on the Oakland Estuary. Both the UCLA JV (10:11) and frosh (10:32) crews also lost in their 2-mile races versus Cal, the JV by seven lengths and the frosh by six lengths. The final regatta of the season was the inaugural Harbach Cup “Troy Oarsmen In Final Bow Against Bruins”, Daily Trojan, 17 May 1956, 2. and pitted Stanford and USC against UCLA on May 19. The cup would be awarded based on the varsity, JV and frosh races. Scoring was 8-7-6 points for the varsity eight and 6-5-4 points for both the JV and freshman eights. Neither UCLA’s varsity nor JV were able to pull ahead of their two rivals. Stanford won all three events. The frosh crew again defeated USC but could not get ahead of Stanford. “Crew Lose, Frosh Nip SC”, UCLA Daily Bruin, 23 May 1956, 9.

1957

The Bruin team looked forward to a new boathouse to be built on the banks of the soon to be completed Marina del Rey. Head Coach Bob Schaeffer was assisted by freshman coach Cliff Fagin, with Ron Brown as the junior varsity coach, manager Len Thomas and boatman Marvin Rosen.

The first race of the season UCLA hosted USC on Ballona Creek on April 5. The Bruins were only three-quarters of a length behind the visiting Trojans in both the varsity and junior varsity races. The Bruin varsity experienced a poor start and then one of its rowers “developed oar trouble.” Overall, it was considered an encouraging result. Jennie Mayo, “Crew Teams Trimmed”, UCLA Daily Bruin, 8 Apr 1957, 8. During a practice row on Ballona Creek Saturday April 13, UCLA crews discovered the body of 52-year-old Wade Nash, a gardener from West Los Angeles. Nash “had been despondent since a recent throat operation and had threatened to end his life.” “UCLA Rowing Crew Find Body in Creek” Hollywood Citizen-News, 15 Apr 1957, 13. In the season’s second competition UCLA hosted a three-way regatta with USC and Cal on April 20. The start time was coordinated to coincide with high tide on Ballona Creek. “Bear Crews Invade South Tomorrow”, Berkeley Daily Gazette, 19 Apr 1957, 15. The Bears finished two and one-half lengths ahead of the Trojans with UCLA in third. “SC Oarsmen Travel North to Cal-Match”, Daily Trojan, 26 Apr 1957, 5. The Bruins understroked USC and were advancing at the end. The JV race finish was the same order and the UCLA freshman finished second to USC.

In two different races on a Friday and Saturday, April 26 and 27, the Bruin frosh crew (6:57) lost to Orange Coast (6:54) by one-quarter of a length, after leading most of the way. The following day the UCLA frosh (7:38) defeated first year program Long Beach State by a large margin rowing against the tide at Ballona Creek. “Frosh Crew Rows to Win”, UCLA Daily Bruin, 29 Apr 1957, 6.

USC hosted UCLA on May 4 for a 3-mile varsity race on a choppy, windy Cerritos Channel. USC continued a five-year domination over their Southern California neighbors. The Trojan’s (19:29) won the varsity race by seven lengths after the Bruins had led for the first two miles. The Bruin JV (13:04) won their 2-mile race and the UCLA frosh finished eleven lengths behind USC (12:19) in their race. “Bruin JV Crewmen Top Currents, Trojans in Win”, UCLA Daily Bruin, 6 May 1957, 6. and “Varsity Crew Swamps Bruins”, Daily Trojan, 6 May 1957, 4.

On May 11, Cal (16:46.7) rowed to an upset win over visiting Wisconsin (16:56) in a 3-mile race on the Oakland Estuary, UCLA trailed seventeen and one-half lengths behind Wisconsin who finished two and one-half lengths behind Cal. Cal’s junior varsity (17:13) defeated UCLA’s junior varsity by eleven lengths over 3-miles. The Cal frosh (12:30) defeated UCLA in a 2-mile race The crews were slowed by the tide and a strong cross wind. “California Crew Strokes to Upset Over Wisconsin”, Long Beach Independent, 12 May 1957, 31. and “Badgers Upset by Cal Crew”, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 1957, 110.

The next weekend the Bruins concluded their season in San Pedro. Stanford won the Harbach Cup over a 2-mile race distance. Stanford earned 18 points, USC 17 and UCLA placed third with 16 points. [Varsity race: 8-7-6 points; JV and Frosh: 6-5-4 points] Each of the schools won one of the three races. In the varsity race Stanford (12:04) finished three lengths ahead of USC (12:12.4) with UCLA (12:56) a distant third. UCLA (11:31) won the junior varsity race with Stanford finishing second and USC (12:06.5) in third. USC (12:22.2) won the frosh race with Stanford placing second and the UCLA shell swamped from the wake of a spectator boat and “’walking’ their shell across the finish line.” “Indian Crew Beats UCLA, Southern Cal”, Oakland Tribune, 19 May 1957, 56. and “Stanford Noses Out SC Crew”, Daily Trojan, 20 May 1957, 3.

Washington had swept California and then swept Stanford, who had also defeated Cal, on May 25. The same weekend Oregon State hosted British Columbia in Corvallis on the Willamette River.

The Western Intercollegiate Crew Coaches Association (WICCA) was formed in 1957 among six Pac-8 schools and the University of British Columbia. “Drlica Heads Rowing Group”, Corvallis Gazette-Times, 17 Sep 1970, 16.

1958

The Bruins were kept out of their shells early in the season due to poor weather. The team christened a new shell, the “Westwood Beau Ideal”. Leading up to the first race of the season against USC, the Trojans had defeated Stanford. USC swept the Bruins at the April 12 season opener. The UCLA varsity was six seconds, one and one-eight length, behind; the JV two and one-half lengths and the freshman about three and one-half length behind the Trojans. “Bruin Crews Lose to Troy”, UCLA Daily Bruin, 15 Apr 1958, 4.

April 19 Orange Coast College (6:55.8) edged UCLA by inches and second year Long Beach State (7:10) was two and one-half lengths back in third on the course in Long Beach. Lou Jobst, “Orange Coast Only JC Crew Competitor in West”, Long Beach Independent, 20 Apr 1958, 42.

April 26 UCLA hosted a three-way regatta. The varsity event was won by Cal (6:09.1) with USC (6:12) one-third of a length behind and UCLA (6:18) in third. Cal had held second place until moving ahead at the 800 meter mark. Cal also won the JV (6:05) race defeating USC by four lengths, Hollywood Citizen-News, 28 Apr 1958, 16. and “Cal Outrows USC, UCLA” San Francisco Examiner, 27 Apr 1958, 48. neither USC (6:26) nor UCLA (6:36) were in contention with Cal. “Bears Beat Troy For Second Time”, Daily Trojan, 29 Apr 1958, 4.

The following Saturday, visiting USC again swept UCLA. The Trojan margins of victory were three and one-half lengths in the varsity race, three-quarters of a length in the JV race and by two lengths in the freshman competition. “Crewmen Sweep To 3 Bruin Wins”, Daily Trojan, 7 May 1958, 4.

The Harbach Cup was held May 10 at San Pedro. USC had edged Stanford on April 5 but at the 2-mile Harbach Cup Stanford (11:54) finished four lengths ahead of USC with UCLA ten lengths farther back. Stanford also won the junior varsity (12:06.2) race and the freshman (12:06.8) race with UCLA placing third in all the events. Stanford led with 20 points, USC earned 17 for three second place finishes and UCLA earned 14 points. “Indian Crew Defeats SC and UCLA”, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 1958, 120.

On May 15 the Bruin frosh hosted Long Beach State and defeated them for the second time in the season.

May 24 Cal defeated UCLA on the Oakland Estuary in a 2-mile race. The Bear varsity was said never have been pressed as they won by six lengths in a time of 9:58 to UCLA’s 10:22. Cal also won the JV and frosh races, both by a margin of five lengths in times of 10:13 and 9:57, the last race benefiting from a more favorable tide and wind. “California Crew Defeats UCLA”, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 1958, 94.

After the end of the season, it was announced that Conn Findlay, who had rowed #6 at USC in 1953-54, would become the head Stanford coach, replacing volunteer coach Lou Linsey who had guided Stanford during the four previous seasons. “Conn Findley Named Stanford Crew Coach”, Daily Palo Alto Times, 6 Jun 1958, 20. Lindsey had led Stanford to three consecutive years of success over Cal before this season’s defeat, led a victory over Washington and a third place finish at the IRA both in 1957. Bob Brachman, “Mutiny on the Farm: Crew Pilot Walks Plank”, San Francisco Examiner 7 Jun 1958, 17, 21. Findley had coached the Stanford freshmen in 1955 and had won a gold medal in the pair-with-coxswain at the 1956 Olympics, a bronze medal in the same event at the 1960 Olympics and another gold at the 1964 Olympics following a gold at the 1963 Pan-Am Games. Findlay returned to compete at the 1976 Olympics earning a bronze in sailing’s Tempest class, and a crew leader of victorious America’s Cup teams in 1974 and 1977.

1959

In the continued absence of the Western Sprints in Newport, the “first annual Long Beach Rowing Regatta” was held at the Long Beach Marine Stadium on April 11. It was touted as the largest regatta on the Pacific Coast that year. In addition to a school boy novice 1x, junior 4+ and 1x, and senior 4+ and 1x it hosted two 2,000m college races. Absent were Washington, California, Oregon State, British Columbia and UCLA.

For their first race of the season on April 18 UCLA hosted Cal and USC on Ballona Creek. In the varsity race, Cal rowed an incredibly fast 5:24, over a shortened course, as the winner nine lengths in front of UCLA (5:50), and USC (5:55) three-quarters of a length farther back. This marked the Bruins first victory over USC’s varsity since 1952. Four of the Bruin varsity crew were returning lettermen. Cal returned eight lettermen from the previous season. Cal also won the junior varsity (5:24) race with USC (5:58) second and UCLA (6:14) finishing third. “Cal Crewmen Win”, Daily Palo Alto Times, 20 Apr 1959, 15. In the freshman race Orange Coast (6:43) defeated UCLA (7:10). Al Wolf, “Cal Routs UCLA, SC, Wins by 9 Lengths”, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr 1959, 84. The UCLA frosh later notched a victory over Long Beach State.

On May 9 USC won the Harbach Cup through its victory in the varsity event, over a choppy 2-mile course in Willington. There were headwinds at the start and wakes from pleasure boats and tugs. Near the end of the varsity race a sailboat cut through the course with USC powering straight ahead and only missing the errant sailboat by a few feet. “Crew Smashes Indians for 1st Time at Home”, Daily Trojan, 12 May 1959, 4. In the varsity race USC (12:27.0) defeated Stanford (12:50) by five lengths. The JV and freshmen races were won by Stanford. UCLA finished third in all three events. UCLA’s JV was leading USC by a length at the three-quarters mark but USC charged ahead. Stanford won the overall team title with 19 points, USC earned 18 and UCLA captured 14 points. “Trojan Crew Captures Cup”, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 1959, 80.

Cal was a heavy favorite when they hosted UCLA on the Oakland Estuary on May 16. The Bears (10:08) won the 2-mile varsity race by nine lengths and won “going away” after the one-mile mark. Cal had a stroke rating of 29 to 30 while UCLA was rowing an average of 33 to 35 strokes per minute. Both Cal’s junior varsity (10:34) and freshman (10:39) crews won their 2-mile races by four lengths over the Bruins. A second Cal freshman (6:08) crew defeated Orange Coast in a 2000 meter race by three lengths. ”UCLA Oarsmen Routed by Cal”, Oakland Tribune, 17 May 1959, 54. This marked the last season of legendary Cal coach Carroll M. “Ky” Ebright. He had complied six national championships and three Olympic Games gold medals (1928, 1932, 1948) in his 34 years coaching the Bears. UCLA had never achieved a victory over a Ebright coached varsity eight.

By 1960 there were eleven colleges with rowing. The Western Intercollegiate Rowing Association (WIRA) hosted its first championship in 1960 with six PAC-8 schools (California, Washington, Stanford, Oregon State, UCLA and Southern California), Long Beach State, Orange Coast College and the University of British Columbia. The events offered varied by the regatta’s location. In 1966 there were 18 going on 19 members, though not all attended the championship. In 1970 there were enough entries in the [men’s] varsity eight for a complete third level final, and in 1975 a separate “Silver” event was offered for varsity eights. By 1970 there were 20 members, 1972 there were 22 members and in 1976 there were 24 members. Indeed, there was rapid growth since the late 1960s.

The “Western Sprint championship was first organized in 1958 as a 2000-meter sprint race for West Coast crews, and in 1960 it was designated officially as the ‘Western Sprints.’” John Wood, “…As is Western Sprints Champion”, UCLA Daily Bruin, 21 May 1971, 20.

1960

The Bruins had a large turn out this spring with four varsity eights and one and one half freshmen shells. “Bruin Crew Readies For Bear Race”, UCLA Daily Bruin, 5 Apr 1960, 8. Cal opened its 1960 season on April 16 with a clean sweep over the Bruins on the Oakland Estuary. In the 2-mile varsity race the Bears (10:13) defeated UCLA (10:33) by five lengths. Both the Cal junior varsity (10:29 to 11:01) and freshman crews (10:32 to 11:02) defeated their UCLA counterparts by eight lengths. Pleasure boats made the water rough, especially in the freshman race. The new Cal head coach Jim Lemon however complemented the Bruins, “the UCLA varsity has smoothed out considerably. They have a good potential.” “Bear Crews Score Sweep Over Bruins”, Oakland Tribune, 17 Apr 1960, 59. and John Kagel, “Cal Gets Sweep In Crew”, San Francisco Examiner, 17 Apr 1960, 42. Lemon had been a classmate of UCLA Coach Shaeffer (rowing together in the 1940 Cal frosh crew; Lemon in the 1941, 1942 and 1946 varsity eights; Schaeffer stroke of the 1942 JV and 1943 varsity eights) and spent the preceding six years as coach the Cal freshmen from 1954 – 1959. Jim Lemon, The Log of Rowing at the University of California Berkeley 1870-1987 (Western Heritage Press. 1989), 119-120, 132.

Prior to their trip to race Stanford, Athletic Director Wilbur Johns christen an eight-oared shell, the “Westwood Director” in honor of Johns and a four-oared shell the “Westwood Oarsman” in honor of the crew boosters organization. “Bruin Crew Christens New Shells”, UCLA Daily Bruin, 22 Apr 1960, 8. On April 23 Stanford swept the Bruins in their competition in Redwood City. The varsity race was not timed due to the rain but Stanford defeated the Bruin varsity by two lengths. The Stanford JV (14:17) and frosh (16:12) also finished in front of the UCLA crews. “Stanford Crew Wins Over UCLA”, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr 1960, 88.

On April 30 UCLA hosted Cal and USC for the Wallis Cup on what must have been a shortened course on Ballona Creek. The Cal varsity (4:50.5) finished four lengths ahead of USC with UCLA two lengths further back in third. In the junior varsity race Cal (4:57.2) won over USC and UCLA. The freshman race was won by Long Beach State (4:53), followed by Orange Coast and UCLA in third. “Bear Crew in Triumph; SC Second”, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 1960, 103.

The Bruin varsity and junior varsity traveled to Corvallis, Oregon to face Oregon State on May 7 and the freshmen were scheduled to meet Orange Coast College at Newport Beach. In Corvallis the UCLA varsity jumped to a half-length lead at the start. The Beavers pulled ahead at 800 meters and at the finish sprinted to a two-length lead by the end of the race. “Beaver Crewmen Triumph Over UCLA, Green Lake”, Oregon State Daily Barometer, 10 May 1960, 4. The Bruin JV finished six lengths behind Oregon State (6:35.4) who jumped to an early lead, rowing 32-33 strokes per minute to UCLA’s 33-34 rating, and bettered their own varsity’s time by 6/10 seconds. “JV Crewmen Down Bruins”, Oregon State Daily Barometer, 11 May 1960, 4.

Stanford was the repeat victor in the fifth annual Harbach Cup regatta, winning all three of the races. The points score was Stanford 20 points, USC 16 and UCLA 15. The three victorious Stanford crews finished with times for the 2-mile course of 11:18 in the varsity race winning by three lengths having led the entire race, 12:01 in the junior varsity race and 12:24.2 in the freshman race. “Stanford Oars Score Sweep”, San Francisco Examiner, 15 May 1960, 44. UCLA performed the best in the frosh race having led for the first three-quarters of a mile until Stanford moved ahead and finished two and one-half lengths ahead of UCLA by the finish. The Bruins finished third in the varsity and JV races. “Crew Retains Harbach Cup”, Stanford Daily, 17 May 1960, 3.

The first Western Intercollegiate Rowing Championships were held at the Long Beach Marine Stadium for ten western varsity crews (the eight teams in the varsity event plus Loyola and Orange Coast).Races were 2000 meters long. Heats were run in the morning on Saturday, May 21 and four varsity crews raced in the finals in the afternoon.

British Columbia entered as a highly touted but untested crew. The Washington varsity was described as “Paul Bunyanesque” averaging 6’4” and 194 pounds. California averaged 6’3 ½” and 185 pounds and rowed the body of the final at a rating of 34 with their final sprint at a 38. California avenged its loss to Washington over a three-mile distance on the Oakland Estuary by three-quarters of a length the previous Saturday. During the week prior to the Western Sprints there were line-up changes between California’s varsity and junior varsity crews. In the regatta’s final, California’s narrow margin of victory was estimated to be between one and five feet. At the finish line California was just beginning a stroke and the Huskies on the recovery. Washington’s varsity coxswain was Ron Wolfkill who had lost his left leg when it had become caught in a cable four years earlier but had retained his “yen for competition.”

Varsity 8 heat: Washington by 5 lengths, Stanford one third of a length ahead of Oregon State
Washington 6:29 | Stanford | Oregon State | UCLA
Varsity 8 heat: Southern California went out of their lane when its rudder jammed and clashed oars with Long Beach State. “Both shells were forced out of the race. SC was later disqualified and Long Beach given third place.”
British Columbia 6:29.4 | California 6:34.3 | Long Beach State | Southern California
Varsity 8 consolation final
Southern California 6:10.5 | Long Beach State 6:17.6 | Oregon State 6:24.8 | UCLA 6:26.7
Varsity 8 grand final
California 6:21.3 | Washington 6:21.5 | British Columbia 6:31.1 | Stanford 6:49.7
The faster time by Southern California in the consolation was thought to be due to “a heavier cross-wind and higher tide” breaking a course record.

Junior Varsity 8: California winning by two lengths
California 6:29.5 | British Columbia 6:41.1 | Oregon State 6:48.5 | Southern California 7:04.5 | UCLA 7:19.5

Freshman 8
Orange Coast 7:18 | UCLA 7:23 | Southern California 7:26.4

College 4+
Stanford 7:28 | Oregon State 7:39.9 | UCLA 8:02 | Orange Coast 8:32

Other events that were raced and included the Long Beach RA, San Diego RC, Loyola [in their first season] and Menlo RA: Quarter-mile dash 1x, High School 1x, Senior 4+, Junior 2x, Junior 1x, Senior 1x, Senior 2x.

California went on to win the three-mile IRA championship with Washington fading to third at the end. In the three-mile junior varsity event California was second and Washington fourth. Washington placed third in the two-mile Freshman race.

The California varsity then finished second to Navy in the 1960 Olympic trials regatta. Navy placed in fifth in the Olympic final and was coached by former Cal coxswain 1939-1942 and Stanford coach (assistant 1948-1950, head coach 1955-1958) Lou Lindsey. The University of British Columbia eight earned a silver medal for Canada at the 1960 Olympics.

1961

Shell & Oar officers, part of the 35 members of the crew auxiliary shown in the *Southern Campus*.

While still several years from fruition, UCLA coach Schaeffer looked forward to the proposal of a new boathouse under consideration by the UC Regents at Marina del Rey that was under development. “Racing Crew Seeks Move to New Base”, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 1961, 160. This would solve the challenges UCLA had faced with tides since moving to Ballona Creek. Schaeffer claimed that UCLA was not able to begin practice until February leaving them five months behind the Athletic Association of Western Universities of Cal and Washington. Schaeffer espoused the plan was “to start with a small boathouse. Our ultimate goal is to have a facility to handle 350 crew members and 30 shells. Eventually we would have a 20,000 sq. ft. building.” “UCLA’s Racing Crew Seeks New Home Base”, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 1961, 152.

On April 1 Long Beach State won two of the three races over UCLA. In the varsity event Long Beach State (6:56) finished five lengths ahead of UCLA (7:17). The UCLA junior varsity (7:10.3) won their event by six lengths and Long Beach (7:24) won the freshman race by almost a length. “State Whips UCLA Crew by 5 Lengths”, Long Beach Independent, 2 Apr 1961, 24.

Stanford defeated the Bruins in two events on April 15. The Stanford varsity (6:10) defeated UCLA by three-quarters of a length, and the Stanford junior varsity (6:31) finished two lengths ahead of UCLA. The freshman race ended in a head heat in 6:40. Daily Palo Alto Times, 17 Apr 1961, 22. and “Tribe Crews Whip UCLA”, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr 1961, 91. That same day Cal opened their season with victories over crews from USC and Long Beach State.

On April 22 Cal extended their Wallis Cup victory string over UCLA and also USC. The Bears were easy winners in the varsity race with a six length advantage over the Bruins and an additional one and one-quarter length over USC. The Cal junior varsity won by five lengths with UCLA and USC also in second and third. In the absence of a Cal freshman crew, UCLA captured a victory over San Diego State with Long Beach State in third. “Bear Crew Beats UCLA, USC in Breeze”, Oakland Tribune, 23 Apr 1961, 37.

The next weekend the Harbach Cup again saw UCLA meeting USC and Stanford. Stanford won by three lengths and USC one-half length ahead of UCLA in the varsity race. At the start Stanford was positioned in the inshore lane, USC in the middle but close enough to clash oars with Stanford at the start, with the Bruins started a reported one hundred yards to the right of the other two eights. Initial USC rowing at a higher rating was four seats up on UCLA who was three seats up on Stanford. The higher stroke rate took its toll and by the three-quarter mile mark Stanford had moved into the lead with UCLA about one-length behind USC. At hallway the Bruins increased their rate to 34 with the Trojans racing at a 33. The Bruins gradually wore away at the Trojan lead. With 700 meters to go the UCLA crew drew even at a rate of 35 while USC responded with a stroke rating of 36. The Daily Trojan reporter captured the exciting final push to the finish, “Coming into the last 150 yards, it was UCLA straining at the oars in a last-ditch effort to catch the hard-rowing Trojans. Then a wake from another yacht came surging across the course hitting UCLA off their starboard bow, and continuing on to hit the Trojans almost broadside. The Bruin bow man lost his oar in the roll of the shell, while #3 man for USC, Don Inskeep, lost his slide. But the Trojan oarsmen continued on without missing a stroke, and sprinted across the finish line at 38 strokes to the minute, a half length ahead of UCLA, rowing a 37.” “Trojan Crew Edges Bruins For First Win”, Daily Trojan, 9 Apr 1961, 3. Stanford won the JV event with UCLA second. The UCLA frosh finished three lengths ahead of the Stanford frosh Gordon Hunter, “Improving Oarsmen Travel to Cal for Tough Series”, UCLA Daily Bruin, 11 May 1961, 4. in a two crew race lacking a USC entry. “Crew Retains Harbach Cup”, Stanford Daily, 8 May 1961, 3.

Leading up to the Western Intercollegiate, Cal swept three races over UCLA on the Oakland Estuary. In their sixth win of the season Cal’s varsity though there was never open water between the crews, as the lead see-sawed, finishing in times of 5:51.7 and 5:53.9. “Crew Improving” UCLA Daily Bruin, 16 May 1961, 4. The Bruin junior varsity was likewise close, but Cal was the victor in a time of 5:58.5 to UCLA’s 6:01. Cal staged two freshman races in one they defeated Orange Coast 6:05 to 6:12; in the other freshman race Cal defeated UCLA by six seconds in times of 5:52 and 5:58, both races had a margin of victory of about two lengths. John Ferris, “Bear Crews Score Sweep on Estuary”, Oakland Tribune, 14 May 1961, 43. In Redwood City that day, the crews from Washington swept Stanford’s three crews. “Huskies Post Sweep Over Tribe Shells”, Oakland Times, 14 May 1961, 43. Washington’s only defeat of the season had been to Cal.

The second Western Intercollegiate Rowing Championships were raced May 20 on Lake Washington in Seattle and included Washington, Oregon State, Stanford, California, Southern California, Long Beach State, Orange Coast College, UCLA, and the University of British Columbia. The stunner came in the varsity race: there was confusion at the start, California briefly stopping after apparently hearing the starter stop the race. However, all of the other crews did not stop and the race proceeded with the Huskies, after losing to Cal two weeks earlier, stroking a clean race and edging the Bears at the line by about three feet to win the event. “1961”, Husky Crew web, http://www.huskycrew.com/1960.htm. The California eight held a scant lead in the final 100 yards but the Huskies put on a sprint and won in the last two strokes. The #7 from Washington’s junior varsity had replaced a member of the varsity eight that was suffering from bronchial congestion. California had swept Washington in all four events in their earlier three/two-mile dual regatta.

Junior Varsity 8: by one boat length
California 6:39.7 | Washington | British Columbia | UCLA

Freshman 8: by 7 lengths over Oregon State and UCLA 10 more lengths back
Washington 6:44.2 | Oregon State | UCLA

Senior 4+
Lake Washington 7:03.3 | British Columbia | Washington | Golden Gate RC | Oregon State

The Senior 1x was won by Ted Nash (9:03) representing Lake Washington Two of the eight events were races for High school oarsmen going 1000 meters.

At the IRA California won the three-mile varsity eight with Washington placing fourth. The previously undefeated California junior varsity finished the three-mile final in second with Washington in fourth. Washington won the two-mile freshman eight race under coach Bissett, brought home the Steward's Cup for the first time since 1953 and finished the season as undefeated national champions. “1961”, Husky Crew web, http://www.huskycrew.com/1960.htm

Despite their losses during the season the Southern Campus cited that the “oarsmen looked forward to the near future with improving frosh and junior varsity teams.” UCLA Southern Campus, 1961, 269.

1962

John Lind was the freshman/assistant coach to Robert Schaffer. The lease for 26,000 sq. ft. of a parcel at Marina del Rey for the crew boat house at $2,132 annually for a sixty year period, was announced in March. “Marina Nearly Ready but Dedication Distant”, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar 1962, 147. More detailed plans for the crew building were announced in October of 1962. Construction was expected to require about four months beginning in 1963. It was planned that other aquatic programs such as physical education classes, sailing, skin diving and water skiing could be based from the site. The initial phase would be an “L-shaped, one-story affair with about 3,400 sq. ft. of floor space. It will have storage space for 12 shells, a repair room, lockers and showers, a drying room for clothes and mechanical equipment. Future construction will include addition of a second story to include living quarters, clubrooms and offices. There will also be two more shell bays built.” The second phase was to be financed by parents of the rowers and some alumni. Schaeffer looked forward to eventually having room for 200 boys and 48 shells. “Marina Boathouse for UCLA Progresses”, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct 1962, 141.

The Tuesday prior to the first race a new Pocock eight-oared shell, weighing 275 pounds, was christened by Mrs. F. D. Murphy the “Westwood Courageous” in honor of Chancellor Murphy. “Murphys Aid Crew In dedicating New Shell”, UCLA Daily Bruin, 5 Apr 1962, 7.

In Redwood City on April 7, Stanford (5:34) nosed out Oregon State (5:34.2) by one and a half feet, with UCLA’s (5:38.2) varsity back three-quarters of a length, USC (5:50) finished farther back in the 1900 meter, four-team race. “UCLA Crew Third”, UCLA Daily Bruin, 9 Apr 1962, 7. According to the Oregon State Barometer, Oregon State that led until the three-quarter mark, rowing at a stroke rate between 34 and 35, and in the last thirty stroke Stanford pull even and only pulled ahead in the final two strokes. Chuck Emerick, “State Crewmen Beaten; Close 2nd to Stanford”, Oregon State Barometer, 10 Apr 1962, 4. Oregon State (5:48) finished one-quarter length ahead of Stanford (5:49.3) with USC (6:05) in third in the junior varsity race without a UCLA entry. UCLA’s crew arrived at the start too late to race in that event. Stanford (5:47) won the freshman race three lengths ahead of USC (6:01), with Oregon State (6:02) and then UCLA following farther back. “Injuns Spurt, Grab Crew Race by 2 Feet”, San Francisco Examiner, 8 Apr 1962, 47. and “Indian Crew Nips OSC in 4-Way Race”, Oakland Tribune, 8 Apr 1962, 44. That same day on the Oakland Estuary Cal (10:10.3) opened its season with a surprise loss by three and one-half lengths to Long Beach State (9:56.8) in a 2-mile race. Cal easily won the junior varsity and freshmen races. John Kagel, “Cal’s Crew Is Upset”, San Francisco Examiner, 8 Apr 1962, 47. Cal’s varsity contained three sophomores, two juniors and two seniors as coach Lemon gave “some of his stronger but less experienced oarsmen a good test.” Norm Hannon, “Cal Crew Gets Splashed”, Oakland Tribune, 8 Apr 1962, 44. Cal easily won the junior varsity (6:34 to 6:50) and freshman (6:31 to 6:49.2) races. Long Beach State, rowing their fifth season and under the leadership of coach Bill Lockyer, used a longer body layback and faster push away with the hands than the prevailing style.

April 14 UCLA hosted the annual Ben Wallis Cup against Cal, and included USC. In both the varsity and junior varsity races the order of finish was Cal the victor, UCLA in second place and USC third. In the varsity race Cal (6:13.5) finished four lengths ahead of UCLA (6:34.5), USC trailed in 6:40. “Cal crew Tops UCLA, USC” Palo Alto Times, 16 Apr, 1962, 21. In the freshman race, UCLA finished first followed by San Diego State and then Long Beach State. “Bear Crew Beats UCLA, USC in Breeze”, Oakland Tribune, 23 Apr 1961, 37.

On April 21 Long Beach State (6:28.3) won the varsity competition after the Bruins (6:47) had an early lead for the first 500 meters. Long Beach lost to the Bruins in the junior varsity (6:40.8) and frosh (7:03) races. The Long Beach freshman boat had led for most of the race but caught a crab near the end of the race and “couldn’t recover.” “L.B. State Crew Far Out-Distances UCLA”, Long Beach Independent, 22 Apr 1962, 33.

April 28 UCLA hosted Oregon State in a rematch. UCLA (6:23.2) placed about one and one-half lengths, ahead of the Beavers (6:29) in their first regatta win since 1952. “Oarsmen Meet USC, Stanford”, UCLA Daily Bruin, 3 May 1962, 6. With nearly perfect conditions and a slight tailwind, the Beavers jumped to a quick lead at a stroke rate of 38 to UCLA’s 37. UCLA gradually pulled ahead as both crews pulled the body at a rating of 34. Despite a sprint by the Beavers up to 39, the Bruins held them off. “UCLA Edges Beaver Crew”, Oregon State Barometer, 1 May 1962, 4.

In the Harbach Cup on May 5 UCLA placed second to Stanford in the varsity and freshman races. The Bruins won the junior varsity race by two lengths with a surprised Stanford in second, displaying “well co-ordinated powerful strokes.” In team points, Stanford earned 19, UCLA 18 and USC 14. The Bruin JV had beaten the varsity crew on several occasions with a lot of line-up changes in a varsity crew and only three consistent members. The Bruin varsity finished two-lengths behind Stanford. “Bruin Shells Grab Second”, UCLA Daily Bruin, 8 May 1962, 7. USC was third in all three races. “Crew Takes Harbach Cup”, Stanford Daily, 7 May 1962, 3.

Washington hosted UCLA and the University of British Columbia for a race in Seattle May 12. Washington won in a time of 6:14.5, followed by British Columbia in 6:20.1 and UCLA (6:33.2) in third. “Smashing Tuneup for L.B. State Crew”, Long Beach Independent, 13 May 1962, 23. The Bruin junior varsity and freshman each finished four to five lengths behind Washington in their races. “Crews Place Third in Seattle Regattas”, UCLA Daily Bruin, 16 May, 1962, 10.

The Western Intercollegiate Rowing Championship was held at the Long Beach Marine Stadium, Saturday, May 19. It was the largest collegiate regatta so far held on the West Coast.

Washington had swept California in their dual on the Oakland Estuary, along with sprint victories over Oregon State early in the season and the week before over British Columbia and UCLA, entered with an undefeated 4-0 record. Fifth year program Long Beach State had a 6-1 record having defeated Loyola, California (2-mile race), Stanford, Oregon State, Southern California and UCLA.

Varsity 8 heat 1: contained California [1st], Long Beach State (had previously defeated Cal), UCLA, San Diego State, Loyola
Varsity 8 heat 2: contained Washington [1st] 6:14.5, British Columbia, Stanford, Oregon State, Southern California - top 3 advanced to grand final
Varsity 8 consolation final
Oregon State 6:31.5 | San Diego State | Loyola | Southern California
Varsity 8 grand final: Washington lead all the way, bettered the course record time of 6:14 by Washington in 1933 {Ky Ebright Cup}
Long Beach coach Bill Lockyer commented on the dark horse performance of his crew as they finished in fourth: “they gave the best they had and no one can ask more of them than that.” ‘Asked if matching Washington’s grueling 44-stroke start had been planned, Lockyer said, “nothing was planned. I just told the boys to do anything they had to win, and that’s what they did.”’ Dave Taylor, “Husky Crew Cracks Record; State Settles for 4th Place”, Long Beach Press-Telegram, 20 May 1962, 28(C-4).
Washington 6:11.8 | British Columbia 6:15.0 | California 6:19.6 | Long Beach State 6:26.2 | Stanford 6:27.0 | UCLA 6:34.9

Junior Varsity 8 heat 1: contained California, Long Beach State, Southern California, San Diego State, Loyola
Junior Varsity 8 heat 2: contained Washington, UCLA, British Columbia, Oregon State, Orange Coast - top 3 advanced to the grand final
Junior Varsity 8 consolation final
Orange Coast 6:42 | Oregon State | Southern California
Junior Varsity 8 grand final: Washington winning by open water {Frank Reed Trophy}
Washington 6:16 | British Columbia | California | UCLA | Long Beach State | Loyola

Freshman 8
San Diego State 6:32.0 | UCLA | Orange Coast | Long Beach State | Southern California

Novice 4+
Stanford 7:24 | Southern California | Orange Coast

Other non-collegiate events were raced:
Senior 1x ¼ mile dash: T Nash (Lake Washington RC) 1:32.6; G Phillips (Lake Washington RC)
Senior 1x: T Nash (Lake Washington RC) 7:48; (Marina del Rey)
Senior 2x: Lake Washington RC 7:33; Long Beach RA; San Diego RC
Senior 4+: Lake Washington RC 7:10; Lake Merritt RC; Long Beach RA
Junior 2x: D Will/J Poltras (Lake Washington RC) 7:58; R Karzmar/D Rutherford (Lake Washington RC)
Junior 1x: D Rutherford (Lake Washington RC) 8:09.2; R Karzmar (Lake Washington RC)
Junior 4+: Lake Washington RC 7:21; Oregon State; Lake Merritt RC

At the IRA in the 3-mile varsity eight Washington placed second and California third. In the junior varsity eight Washington stroked a strong race, charging into the last half mile of their 3-mile event firmly in the lead, but the seven-oar passed out from the heat and the crew limped home with seven men rowing, in fourth place. Washington placed third in the 2-mile freshman eight. “1962” Husky Crew web, http://www.huskycrew.com/1960.htm.

1963

Uniforms for the sixty member Shell and Oar auxiliary of UCLA coeds were described as “blue corduroy vests and skirts over a white blouse. On the vest they wear a small gold oar pin signifying their official membership in the group.” Support of the team and fundraising were their primary objectives. “Coed Auxiliary Roots for Oarsmen of UCLA”, Los Angeles Times, 25 Nov 1962, 156. Coach Bob Schaeffer was an part-time coach and employed as an oil company sales representative.

Approaching the first race, after three months of preparation Coach Schaeffer was optimistic saying, “We have good hopes for the race, even though we started training this year with a lot of inexperienced men.” “Bruin Crews Row vs. UCB”, UCLA Daily Bruin, 8 Apr 1963, 11. The season opening regatta on April 6 for UCLA was the Wallis Cup on the Oakland Estuary against an outgoing tide. It resulted in a continuation of the unbroken string of victories by Cal over the Bruins. The Bruins were late in arriving and as a result by the time racing commenced the opposing tide was flowing strongly during the JV and was even greater during the varsity race. Cal coasted to a three-length victory after UCLA established a narrow lead at the start with the Bears rowing the body of the race at 31-32 to the Bruins stroke rating of 33. The JV race featured Cal (7:38) leading from the start with a lead of two-lengths at the finish. The Cal frosh (7:37) rowed at a stroke rate as low as 29 and were already three-quarters of a length open water ahead of their Bruin competitors by the 1000 meter mark and finished five lengths ahead of the tiring Bruins (7:50). Norm Hannon, “Cal Rows to Sweep: Dismal Day for Bruins”, Oakland Tribune, 7 Apr 1963, 45, 49. The Cal varsity crew had defeated the rising Long Beach State varsity by one length the previous weekend.

On April 13 UCLA (7:02.8) posted its fourth consecutive win over Oregon State by over one length, racing in Corvallis. OSU had led until halfway through the race and the Bruins had a lead of as much as two lengths at 1500 meters, but the beavers sprinted to close the gap. The Bruin junior varsity (7:11) and freshman (7:09) crews also won their races by two and five seconds. “UCLA Crew Shuts Out Oregon State”, Oakland Tribune, 14 Apr 1963, 45. and “Bruins Down 3 State Crews”, Oregon State Barometer, 16 Apr 1963, 4.

UCLA defeated San Diego State in both varsity (7:04.9) and junior varsity (6:58) races on Mission Bay while the Bruin freshman defeated Orange Coast in a close race. “UCLA Crews Take Regatta”, UCLA Daily Bruin, 22 Apr 1963, 6. and “Uclan Oarsmen Sweep Aztecs”, San Francisco Examiner, 21 Apr 1963, 61.

UCLA swept Stanford on April 27, in their first home regatta of the season. Both teams’ varsities had defeated Oregon State by about the same one and one-half margin and both had lost to Cal. UCLA won the varsity race by about one length in a time of 5:59 to Stanford’s 6:03. The Bruins has begun to pull ahead of Stanford at about the 1000 meter mark when they increased their stroke rating. Stanford tried to counter by also increasing their stroke rating but were not able to catch the Bruins. UCLA’s varsity enjoyed a 3-1 record so far in the season. Pat Packard, “Drought Over-Crew Coasts by Stanford”, UCLA Daily Bruin, 29 Apr 1963, 7. UCLA’s junior varsity and freshmen crews won their races by two and one-half and five lengths.

May 4 UCLA defeated Stanford and USC to win the Harbach Cup at San Pedro. This represented UCLA’s first win in the history of the cup instituted in 1956, Stanford having won the cup each year previously. Coach Schaeffer stated, “I guess this will show the other schools on the coast that UCLA is no longer a doormat as far as crew is concerned.” Pat Packard, “Crew Wins, ‘Saves’ weekend for UCLA”, UCLA Daily Bruin, 6 May 1963, 7. The Bruins won the varsity and junior varsity races and finished second in the freshman eight by three-quarters of a length. That earned UCLA 19 team points, Stanford had 18 and USC 14. USC was for a second year third in all three races. Though USC jumped to a lead at the start of the varsity race, Stanford reeled them in and were then passed by UCLA at the 1000 meter mark going on to win by one and one-half lengths. Finish times were 6:26 UCLA, 6:31 Stanford, and 6:46 USC. The UCLA junior varsity led from the beginning and won in a time of 6:22, followed by Stanford (6:30) and USC (6:44).

In a tune up for the Western Sprints the next weekend, May 11, UCLA hosted contender Long Beach State in a first annual Major Seivert Cup regatta. Both had lost to Cal and the faceoff between Cal and Washington had ended in a dead heat. Long Beach State (5:58.2) defeated UCLA (6:03.4) by just over one length in the varsity race but finished behind UCLA in the junior varsity and freshman races. The Bruin junior varsity opened an early lead winning in 6:12.1 to 6:22.9. In the freshman race Long Beach led for the first 500 meters, until the Bruins pulled even and the two crews exchanged the lead back and forth for 500 meters then the Bruins pulled ahead, ending one and one-half lengths ahead at the finish. “Bruin Crews Win All But Big Race”, UCLA Daily Bruin, 13 May 1963, 7.

The Western Intercollegiate was held at Redwood City Harbor, May 18. Sunny but windy creating choppy water. Racing was completed in four hours. The regatta was hosted by Lake Merritt RC. As many as twelve small boat races were planned, interspersed among the nine college races: Junior 4+, Junior 2x, Junior 1x, Senior 2x, Senior 4+, High School (under 19) 1x; High School lightweight 4+, and High School heavyweight 4+. “Small Boat Races To Dot Schedule Tomorrow”, “College Eights Time Table”, Redwood Tribune, 17 May 1963, 13.

Washington and California had rowed to a dead-heat two weeks before in Seattle.
The University of British Columbia/VRC had won at the Pan-American Games on April 23 in São Paulo, Brazil.