Events & Trophies

Named in honor of Bob Suter and his lifetime involvement in rowing. Bob is a graduate of LaSalle College High School. In 1958 he won the nationals in pairs and won the Dad Vail twice in the Varsity 8. As a supporter of junior rowing, Bob coached at LaSalle from the 1960s to the 1980s. In 2005 Bob was presented the George Illman award for a lifetime of service to the sport of rowing.

Donated in his memory by his daughter, Eileen O'Rourke. Patrick O'Rourke was an Irish immigrant who had a strong sense of determination and the ability to overcome obstacles. With Patrick's support, Eileen became a national rowing champion and successful coach.

Donated by Beth Yancy and the Alexander Crew Boosters in memory of Philip Yeich. Phil was a physics teacher at T.C. Williams from 1986-1989, and the Boys Freshman crew coach from 1987-1994.

Named in honor of the Undine Barge Club. The Boys Junior Double was first established as a Stotesbury Cup Regatta event in 1949.

Named in honor of George Mattson, a member of the 1932 Olympic team. He coached at West Catholic, winner of the first Stotesbury Cup.

Donated by Elizabeth ("Liz") Bergen, a coach at Agnes Irwin, and long-time rower and supporter of rowing.

Donated by Mike Cipollone in honor of Jack & Nancy Seitz. Jack Seitz devoted his life to the improvement of rowing on the Schuylkill River, including organizing the Dad Vail Regatta and documenting the history of rowing.

Donated by Dave Grace, long time Athletic Director of Conestoga High School. This award honors Ellie Bradley, the first CHS Booster Club President, and the hardworking Club Presidents who followed her.

Donated by John Kieffer in honor of his father, Lawrence. Lawrence won 13 national titles, plus the Stotesbury. John himself won the singles at Stotesbury in 1970.

In honor of T.C. Williams coach Dee Campbell. Dee began rowing in the 1950s at Old Dominion where he became the highest ranking oarsman in sweeps, sculls and singles. He coached rowing for 45 years in the Alexandria School District.

Named in honor of Charlie Butt, who was involved with rowing in the Washington DC area for more than 40 years. He is considered the driving force behind youth rowing in the DC area.

In honor of George C. Hines, a 1952 graduate of LaSalle University. He was a member of the 1952 varsity eight that won the first Dad Vail. George coached LaSalle High School from 1955-1968.

Honors Ruth Robinhold, an organizer and founding member of the Philadelphia Girls Rowing Association. She rowed until age 75 and is the "Grande Dame" of Philadelphia rowing.

Named in honor of Steven Weir, coach at T.C. Williams. Steve began his rowing career as a lightweight at Hammond H.S. and was instrumental in having this event included in the Stotesbury Cup Regatta.

In honor of James R. Muldowney, who grew up in the Fairmount section of Philadelphia. In 1947 he was captain of the Roman Catholic Lightweight team. He married another rower, Lucy Finnegan, a member of Philadelphia Girls Rowing Club.

Named in honor of Bill Belden, world champion and coach. During his career, he won 32 national championships, was a 1976 and 1980 member of the U.S. Olympic team, and coached 11 national teams, winning 7 medals.

Donated by the Stotesbury Cup Regatta Committee in 2009. Dedicated to the memory of Phyllis, who served the Stotesbury Cup Regatta with pride and joy.

Named in honor of Lovey Farrell, one of the founders of the Philadelphia Girls Rowing Club in 1938. She was considered the female Jack Kelly.

Honors Charles McIlvaine, a 1928 Olympian.

Honors Gus ("the Hammer") Ignas (1933-1994). He was national singles champion in 1958 and won 12 gold medals. He coached at St. Joseph's Prep from 1975-1985.

Donated by the Irish American Business Chamber and Network, Inc. in recognition of the growth of rowing in Ireland and Philadelphia.

Honors Rita Ignas, wife of Gus "the Hammer" Ignas, and long-time supporter of youth rowing in Philadelphia.

Honors the seven brothers of the Sonzogni family who rowed for the Fairmount Rowing Association. Roman Catholic donated this trophy in 2001.

Named in honor of John B. Kelly, who won the Olympic gold medal for doubles in 1920 and 1924. In 1935 John donated a cup to be awarded annually to the winner. His son, John B. Kelly, Jr., won this trophy in 1944 and 1945.

Honors Ana Tamas Knecht, an avid rower and wife of Bill Knecht, Olympic rower (1964). Ana came from Romania in 1968, bringing 14 world championships in women's rowing. She was the first Romanian woman elected "An Honored Master of Sport."

Donated by West Catholic in honor of the Kings Club of West Catholic High School. The original trophy was awarded in 1933.

Donated by the Salisbury family in honor of Mary Airley Salisbury, better known as "Molly." Born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1905, the family encouraged the development of sportsmanship of youth.

First placed in competition in 1927 by Edward Stotesbury (1849-1938), a wealthy financier, banker, philanthropist, and prominent citizen of Philadelphia. As a youth, he was a drummer boy in the Civil War. It was first won in 1927 by West Catholic, captained by George Mattson.

Designed, sculptured, and donated by Robert Engman, a distinguished scholar and artist. He served as the Dean of the Graduate School of Fine Arts at the University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Engman captured the flowing feel of rowing in a simple and elegant continuous circle.

In honor of Isabel Bohn of the Philadelphia Adaptive Rowing program. The program was founded by Dorothy Driscoll as part of "Freedom on the River," supporting students who have physical disabilities.