A Tradition Built Together – More than five decades of teamwork, achievement, and Panther pride

• From a Bold Idea to a Winning Tradition

  Florida Tech rowing began during the 1968–69 academic year with little more than two eights of determined students, a refurbished shell, and an ambitious vision. University founder Jerome P. Keuper believed rowing could become as meaningful to Florida Tech as it was when he was at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Robert Dunlap turned that vision into reality, guiding the program through its formative years and earning recognition as the “Father of FIT Crew.” In its first season, the new team won the 1969 Florida state freshman championship—an early sign that commitment and unity could overcome inexperience.

  Rising to National Prominence

  Under Coach Bill Jurgens and the coaches who followed him, Florida Tech developed into one of the strongest rowing programs in the South. The Panthers won their first Florida varsity eight championship in 1974 and soon became the team others measured themselves against. Florida Tech dominated regional competition for many years, capturing repeated Florida Intercollegiate Rowing Association (FIRA) and Southern Intercollegiate Rowing Association (SIRA) titles while building a program that attracted talented student-athletes from across the country.

  Championship Moments

  Florida Tech’s national breakthrough came at the 1982 Dad Vail Regatta, where the men’s varsity eight became the first crew from the South to win the event.  The women won their first Dad Vail gold in the varsity four and four other boats finished first or second allowing Florida Tech to capture the 1982 Combined All-Points Trophy. The Panthers also earned the overall men’s championship in 1986, 1987, and 1988 that helped establish Florida Tech as a nationally respected name in collegiate rowing. Another men’s varsity eight victory followed in 1988, when Florida Tech defeated five-time defending champion Temple. In 2015, after several near misses, the Panthers produced a dramatic closing sprint to defeat Michigan in a photo finish and once again claim the Dad Vail varsity eight crown.

  Competing on Rowing’s Biggest Stages

  Florida Tech crews have raced at the Henley Royal Regatta in England, won events at the Head of the Charles Regatta, and qualified repeatedly for the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) National Championship. In 2024, Florida Tech won its first medal at the IRA’s with a historic third place finish in men’s varsity four. Across generations, Panther rowers have represented their countries in international competition, including the Olympic Games, Pan American Games, and World Rowing Championships. Alumnus Jeanne Flanagan helped Team USA capture its first gold medal in the women’s 8 event at the 1984 Summer Olympics and alumnus Tom Bohrer earned two Olympic silver medals and captained the 1992 United States Olympic rowing team.

  Your Opportunity to Add to the Legacy

  Florida Tech rowing has always been about more than medals. It develops discipline, resilience, leadership, fitness, trust, and the ability to perform as part of a team. Many accomplished Panther crews began with students who had never rowed before arriving on campus. What united them was a willingness to learn, train, and work for one another.

  By joining Florida Tech rowing, you become part of a living tradition—one built by students who challenged themselves, represented their university with pride, and formed bonds that lasted long after graduation. The next chapter of Panther rowing will be written by today’s students. Take a seat in the boat and help move the legacy forward.

  BUILD THE TEAM.  
  CHALLENGE YOURSELF.
  CONTINUE THE TRADITION.

Visit/follow Men’s Rowing: Webpage & Instagram
Visit/follow Women’s Rowing: Webpage & Instagram

Dad Vail Regatta Champions