Hold water…
The interactive timeline
From the 1971 Pocock donation through the 2026 ACRA crew — 51 moments across 5 eras of UTC Rowing. Compiled from primary sources in the program archive, public records, and alumni recollections.
Tap any moment to read more · Last revised May 2026
Before there was a UTC rowing team, there were eight Pocock singles, a Tennessee River, and a few people willing to teach themselves how to row.
5 moments
William G. Raoul — Lookout Mountain native, Dartmouth '33, WWII artillery officer, Cavalier Corp executive — donates eight Pocock single shells to UTC. The school stands up an HPER course around them.
Source · UTC Rowing Constitution Article 2a (Aug 27 2018)
William G. Raoul — Lookout Mountain native, Dartmouth '33, WWII artillery officer, Cavalier Corp executive — donates eight Pocock single shells to UTC. The school stands up an HPER course around them.
Source · UTC Rowing Constitution Article 2a (Aug 27 2018)
Raoul (now teaching himself to row at age 57), TVA engineer Jack Fish, and UTC professor Terry Carney found the modern Lookout Rowing Club. Initial membership: ~15 community members and UTC affiliates.
Source · CityScope Magazine + Chattanooga Rowing history page
Raoul (now teaching himself to row at age 57), TVA engineer Jack Fish, and UTC professor Terry Carney found the modern Lookout Rowing Club. Initial membership: ~15 community members and UTC affiliates.
Source · CityScope Magazine + Chattanooga Rowing history page
Students from the HPER class race at the Head of the Tennessee Regatta in Knoxville. UTC's first competitive entry, eight years before formal team status.
Source · UTC Rowing Constitution Article 2a
Students from the HPER class race at the Head of the Tennessee Regatta in Knoxville. UTC's first competitive entry, eight years before formal team status.
Source · UTC Rowing Constitution Article 2a
LRC obtains its first refurbished freight barge — the floating dock and storage that makes river access workable as the club grows.
LRC obtains its first refurbished freight barge — the floating dock and storage that makes river access workable as the club grows.
Coach Terry Carney — Kent School and MIT alumnus — takes UTC's first crews to regattas under the UTC banner. Randy Larramore is the first UTC-specific alumnus identified in the archive (1983-85 LRC scrapbook).
Coach Terry Carney — Kent School and MIT alumnus — takes UTC's first crews to regattas under the UTC banner. Randy Larramore is the first UTC-specific alumnus identified in the archive (1983-85 LRC scrapbook).
Six years of building. Most of this era is undocumented in the public record — but two firsts survive that anchor the program's competitive history.
4 moments
A UTC Men's Novice 4+ wins the Head of the Chattahoochee regatta in Atlanta. The first competitive medal of any kind in program history, two years into Carney's tenure.
Source · UTC Rowing Constitution Article 2a
A UTC Men's Novice 4+ wins the Head of the Chattahoochee regatta in Atlanta. The first competitive medal of any kind in program history, two years into Carney's tenure.
Source · UTC Rowing Constitution Article 2a
A second LRC barge — donated by Pete Seridino — becomes the dedicated UTC barge. Names matter; donors who stick get named.
A second LRC barge — donated by Pete Seridino — becomes the dedicated UTC barge. Names matter; donors who stick get named.
Coach Carney takes a UTC Women's Varsity 4+ to a third-place finish at the Dad Vail Regatta in Philadelphia — the program's first medal at a national-championship event. One year before Espeseth would take the program over.
Source · UTC Rowing Constitution
Coach Carney takes a UTC Women's Varsity 4+ to a third-place finish at the Dad Vail Regatta in Philadelphia — the program's first medal at a national-championship event. One year before Espeseth would take the program over.
Source · UTC Rowing Constitution
Feb 18 1989: Raoul, Fish, and H. Grant Law Jr. sign the Charter of Chattanooga Rowing in Hamilton County (Book 3090, Page 976). IRS recognizes it as a 501(c)(3) public charity July 31 1989. The parent organization that will shelter UTC Rowing for the next 35+ years is in place.
Source · Hamilton County records + IRS determination letter
Feb 18 1989: Raoul, Fish, and H. Grant Law Jr. sign the Charter of Chattanooga Rowing in Hamilton County (Book 3090, Page 976). IRS recognizes it as a 501(c)(3) public charity July 31 1989. The parent organization that will shelter UTC Rowing for the next 35+ years is in place.
Source · Hamilton County records + IRS determination letter
Twenty-eight years. An Olympic medalist on the deck, an Olympic gold medalist on the team, the most USRowing Academic All-Americans in the country in a single year, and a national champion regatta launched on the Tennessee River.
28 moments
Sunday Oct 29 1989: the Chattanooga News-Free Press runs 'UTC's Rowing Team Seeks Fresh Start With Espeseth.' UTC and LRC together hire 1976 Olympian, 1980 boycott alternate, 1984 LA Olympic bronze medalist, and 1986 World Champion Robert Espeseth — and Coordinator of Club Sports.
“UTC's Rowing Team Seeks Fresh Start With Espeseth”
Source · News-Free Press feature in UTC ARC
Sunday Oct 29 1989: the Chattanooga News-Free Press runs 'UTC's Rowing Team Seeks Fresh Start With Espeseth.' UTC and LRC together hire 1976 Olympian, 1980 boycott alternate, 1984 LA Olympic bronze medalist, and 1986 World Champion Robert Espeseth — and Coordinator of Club Sports.
“UTC's Rowing Team Seeks Fresh Start With Espeseth”
Source · News-Free Press feature in UTC ARC
By Nov 30 1990 UTC is on the SIRA membership roster — a founding-era member of the Southeast Intercollegiate Rowing Association within months of Espeseth's hire.
By Nov 30 1990 UTC is on the SIRA membership roster — a founding-era member of the Southeast Intercollegiate Rowing Association within months of Espeseth's hire.
The Tennessee Indoor Rowing Championships — UTC's signature winter event — runs for the first time, born from the 1990 'Greenleaf Tennessee Indoor Regatta.' UTC will win it every documented year.
The Tennessee Indoor Rowing Championships — UTC's signature winter event — runs for the first time, born from the 1990 'Greenleaf Tennessee Indoor Regatta.' UTC will win it every documented year.
July 28 1991: William G. Raoul writes a 2-page brief specifying the future Rowing Center — explicitly accommodating UTC chase boats and barges. Three years before opening day.
Source · WGR memo, UTC ARC Records & Correspondence
July 28 1991: William G. Raoul writes a 2-page brief specifying the future Rowing Center — explicitly accommodating UTC chase boats and barges. Three years before opening day.
Source · WGR memo, UTC ARC Records & Correspondence
The first Chattanooga Head Race runs on the Tennessee River — UTC and LRC's home regatta, growing toward its current scale.
The first Chattanooga Head Race runs on the Tennessee River — UTC and LRC's home regatta, growing toward its current scale.
March 21 1993: UTC wins six events at the Florida Crew Classic in Jacksonville, finishing 1st in team standings out of 10 schools (83 points to Duke's 51). The strongest single-regatta team result documented in the early Espeseth era.
Source · News-Free Press, March 21 1993
March 21 1993: UTC wins six events at the Florida Crew Classic in Jacksonville, finishing 1st in team standings out of 10 schools (83 points to Duke's 51). The strongest single-regatta team result documented in the early Espeseth era.
Source · News-Free Press, March 21 1993
Through Espeseth's national-team contacts, the U.S. Women's Rowing Team adopts Chattanooga as a Tennessee River training base in preparation for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
Through Espeseth's national-team contacts, the U.S. Women's Rowing Team adopts Chattanooga as a Tennessee River training base in preparation for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
Keith Bruce becomes the first UTC athlete named a USRowing Collegiate Academic All-American. Two years before the 1995-96 sweep.
Keith Bruce becomes the first UTC athlete named a USRowing Collegiate Academic All-American. Two years before the 1995-96 sweep.
August 1994: the LRC newsletter announces "Rowing Center Opens." After three years of design and construction, UTC finally has a proper home.
Source · LRC Aug 1994 newsletter
August 1994: the LRC newsletter announces "Rowing Center Opens." After three years of design and construction, UTC finally has a proper home.
Source · LRC Aug 1994 newsletter
The Chattanooga-trained U.S. Women's National Team wins gold in the 8+, 4-, 2-, and lwt 2- at the World Rowing Championships in Tampere, Finland — and previews what 1996 Atlanta will look like.
The Chattanooga-trained U.S. Women's National Team wins gold in the 8+, 4-, 2-, and lwt 2- at the World Rowing Championships in Tampere, Finland — and previews what 1996 Atlanta will look like.
Nov 16 1995, Charleston SC: Espeseth wins the Men's Open Single (1X) at Clouter Creek in 19:09. He's coaching UTC; he's also still racing. UTC-Chattanooga wins M Open 4 (15:48), M Club 4 (14:57), W Novice 4 (15:08) the same day.
Source · Clouter Creek 1995 results, UTC ARC Other Regattas
Nov 16 1995, Charleston SC: Espeseth wins the Men's Open Single (1X) at Clouter Creek in 19:09. He's coaching UTC; he's also still racing. UTC-Chattanooga wins M Open 4 (15:48), M Club 4 (14:57), W Novice 4 (15:08) the same day.
Source · Clouter Creek 1995 results, UTC ARC Other Regattas
Per UTC press release Oct 10 1996: Robert Meeks, Paul Turner, and Valerie Schlatter are named USRowing Collegiate Academic All-Americans for 1995-96 — more than any other U.S. college program that year, including Harvard, Yale, MIT, and Princeton.
“More than Harvard, Yale, MIT, and Princeton.”
Source · UTC press release in UTC Rowing Program Archive/1996/
Per UTC press release Oct 10 1996: Robert Meeks, Paul Turner, and Valerie Schlatter are named USRowing Collegiate Academic All-Americans for 1995-96 — more than any other U.S. college program that year, including Harvard, Yale, MIT, and Princeton.
“More than Harvard, Yale, MIT, and Princeton.”
Source · UTC press release in UTC Rowing Program Archive/1996/
March 22 1996, ~3 a.m.: arson destroys 9 boats (1 UTC eight, 3 UTC fours, 1 of Espeseth's personal eights, 3 McCallie fours, 1 Chattanooga Youth four), 40 oars, 9 cox boxes, and the trailer itself. UTC's insurance claim totals $57,157.72.
“UTC Novice Crew Wins”
Source · Trailer Arson 1996 folder, UTC ARC
March 22 1996, ~3 a.m.: arson destroys 9 boats (1 UTC eight, 3 UTC fours, 1 of Espeseth's personal eights, 3 McCallie fours, 1 Chattanooga Youth four), 40 oars, 9 cox boxes, and the trailer itself. UTC's insurance claim totals $57,157.72.
“UTC Novice Crew Wins”
Source · Trailer Arson 1996 folder, UTC ARC
The Chattanooga-prepared U.S. Women's Rowing Team takes two silver medals at the Atlanta Olympics. UTC and the Tennessee River are part of the story.
The Chattanooga-prepared U.S. Women's Rowing Team takes two silver medals at the Atlanta Olympics. UTC and the Tennessee River are part of the story.
Stephen Thomas (UTC class of 1995) competes for the U.S. lightweight quad at the 1997 World Rowing Championships in Aiguebelette. UTC's first international rower at the senior World level — five years before Beery's first international medal.
Source · Free Press Aug 31 1997, UTC ARC
Stephen Thomas (UTC class of 1995) competes for the U.S. lightweight quad at the 1997 World Rowing Championships in Aiguebelette. UTC's first international rower at the senior World level — five years before Beery's first international medal.
Source · Free Press Aug 31 1997, UTC ARC
Bill Raoul — co-founder of LRC, donor of the original Pocock fleet, and namesake of the Rowing Center — dies in 1997. The LRC newsletter runs his obituary that November.
Bill Raoul — co-founder of LRC, donor of the original Pocock fleet, and namesake of the Rowing Center — dies in 1997. The LRC newsletter runs his obituary that November.
Aug 21 1998: Espeseth's memo to Chancellor Bill Stacy lists upcoming UTC Rowing functions and the 1998 Raoul Cup men's varsity 8+ — Dan Beery seated #7. Beery is a UTC sophomore. Six years before he'll win Olympic gold.
Source · Stacy memo Aug 21 1998, UTC ARC
Aug 21 1998: Espeseth's memo to Chancellor Bill Stacy lists upcoming UTC Rowing functions and the 1998 Raoul Cup men's varsity 8+ — Dan Beery seated #7. Beery is a UTC sophomore. Six years before he'll win Olympic gold.
Source · Stacy memo Aug 21 1998, UTC ARC
April 10 1999: 5x Olympic gold-medal speed-skater Bonnie Blair is the guest speaker at the UTC Rowing annual banquet — a measure of the public profile UTC Rowing carried at the late-1990s peak.
April 10 1999: 5x Olympic gold-medal speed-skater Bonnie Blair is the guest speaker at the UTC Rowing annual banquet — a measure of the public profile UTC Rowing carried at the late-1990s peak.
Jan 2000 TIRC: Dan Beery, UTC, age 25, races Open Men 1X in 10:50.4 (1:42.6 split). Four months before his UTC graduation. Three years before his first World gold. Four years before the Olympics.
Jan 2000 TIRC: Dan Beery, UTC, age 25, races Open Men 1X in 10:50.4 (1:42.6 split). Four months before his UTC graduation. Three years before his first World gold. Four years before the Olympics.
Three more World Championship golds: 2003 coxed pair (Milan), 2005 men's eight, 2007 coxed four. Olympic silver at Beijing 2008. The interval that includes the Athens gold.
Three more World Championship golds: 2003 coxed pair (Milan), 2005 men's eight, 2007 coxed four. Olympic silver at Beijing 2008. The interval that includes the Athens gold.
Athens 2004: Dan Beery wins Olympic gold in the U.S. Men's Eight — the first U.S. men's eight Olympic gold in 40 years. World-record 5:19.85 in the heat. UTC class of 2000.
“World-record 5:19.85 in the heat.”
Source · Chattanoogan, Aug 16 2004
Athens 2004: Dan Beery wins Olympic gold in the U.S. Men's Eight — the first U.S. men's eight Olympic gold in 40 years. World-record 5:19.85 in the heat. UTC class of 2000.
“World-record 5:19.85 in the heat.”
Source · Chattanoogan, Aug 16 2004
UTC's Athletic Department considers elevating women's rowing to NCAA Division I varsity status as part of a Title IX compliance push. Ultimately UTC selects another sport — but the conversation is real, and on the record.
UTC's Athletic Department considers elevating women's rowing to NCAA Division I varsity status as part of a Title IX compliance push. Ultimately UTC selects another sport — but the conversation is real, and on the record.
After outgrowing Lake Lanier under Atlanta Rowing Club, the Head of the Hooch relocates to Chattanooga in 2005. UTC supplies the venue. Today it is the second-largest regatta in the United States.
After outgrowing Lake Lanier under Atlanta Rowing Club, the Head of the Hooch relocates to Chattanooga in 2005. UTC supplies the venue. Today it is the second-largest regatta in the United States.
Dec 17 2010: UTC Alumni Affairs notifies Dan Beery he is the 2010 Joe Morrison Award recipient. He is inducted into the UTC Athletic Hall of Fame Feb 11-12 2011 — the only UTC rower in the institution's varsity-only Athletic Hall of Fame.
Source · UTC Alumni Affairs letter, UTC ARC Program Archive/2010/
Dec 17 2010: UTC Alumni Affairs notifies Dan Beery he is the 2010 Joe Morrison Award recipient. He is inducted into the UTC Athletic Hall of Fame Feb 11-12 2011 — the only UTC rower in the institution's varsity-only Athletic Hall of Fame.
Source · UTC Alumni Affairs letter, UTC ARC Program Archive/2010/
UTC wins TIRC every documented year. 2015 standings: UTC 403.5 · Murray State 386.5 · UT-Knoxville 255.5 · Berry 181.5 · NSU 157. Axel Marshall is the most-documented athlete of the 2010-13 cohort.
UTC wins TIRC every documented year. 2015 standings: UTC 403.5 · Murray State 386.5 · UT-Knoxville 255.5 · Berry 181.5 · NSU 157. Axel Marshall is the most-documented athlete of the 2010-13 cohort.
Fall 2016: UTC tells Espeseth the program will be terminated at the end of Spring 2017, driven by the loss of barge maintenance funding. Coach Espeseth notifies the alumni network. A campaign organized in part by Keith Bruce makes the case for keeping the program running.
“Alumni kept it alive long enough for a new coach to be hired.”
Fall 2016: UTC tells Espeseth the program will be terminated at the end of Spring 2017, driven by the loss of barge maintenance funding. Coach Espeseth notifies the alumni network. A campaign organized in part by Keith Bruce makes the case for keeping the program running.
“Alumni kept it alive long enough for a new coach to be hired.”
May 26-28 2017, Lake Lanier: UTC's Women's Novice 4+ qualifies through Heat 2 (3rd, 9:00.7) and Rep 1 (2nd, 9:46.8) to the B Final, where they finish 3rd at 8:39.8 — Ohio State winning the B at 8:25.6. The last documented Espeseth-era team boat at ACRA.
Source · row2k 2017 ACRA results (20170528ACRA.pdf)
May 26-28 2017, Lake Lanier: UTC's Women's Novice 4+ qualifies through Heat 2 (3rd, 9:00.7) and Rep 1 (2nd, 9:46.8) to the B Final, where they finish 3rd at 8:39.8 — Ohio State winning the B at 8:25.6. The last documented Espeseth-era team boat at ACRA.
Source · row2k 2017 ACRA results (20170528ACRA.pdf)
After 28 seasons — the longest tenure in UTC Rowing history — Robert Espeseth steps down. He stays engaged with the program informally as a volunteer assistant on merchandise and fundraising operations.
After 28 seasons — the longest tenure in UTC Rowing history — Robert Espeseth steps down. He stays engaged with the program informally as a volunteer assistant on merchandise and fundraising operations.
A Chattanooga rowing product takes over. He sets up the next 30 years. Then COVID in 2020, the December 2022 – January 2023 barge loss, and a slow exit from competition end the chapter.
10 moments
Spring 2017: Ryan Worth is hired (interview April 17, 2017) and takes over for the 2017-18 season. A Chattanooga Junior Rowing alum (first documented at TIRC 2005 Never-Ever Men). Concept2 24-hour World Record holder in his age category. Two Guinness World Records for ocean rowing.
Spring 2017: Ryan Worth is hired (interview April 17, 2017) and takes over for the 2017-18 season. A Chattanooga Junior Rowing alum (first documented at TIRC 2005 Never-Ever Men). Concept2 24-hour World Record holder in his age category. Two Guinness World Records for ocean rowing.
Worth's staff: Drew Steadman (UTC alum, Lead Novice Coach), Jessica Brand and Aaron Shimel as assistants. Konstantine Vlasis joins Fall 2018. Dr. Brian O'Leary becomes faculty advisor in Fall 2017.
Worth's staff: Drew Steadman (UTC alum, Lead Novice Coach), Jessica Brand and Aaron Shimel as assistants. Konstantine Vlasis joins Fall 2018. Dr. Brian O'Leary becomes faculty advisor in Fall 2017.
May 25-27 2018, Lake Lanier: UTC's Men's Double Sculls makes the B Final and finishes 2nd at 7:44.949 — Michigan winning the B at 7:34.713. Time trial entry 11th of the field at 7:28.3; through Semi 2 (6th, 8:36.949) to the B. The last documented UTC team boat at ACRA until the 2026 M4x — eight years later.
Source · row2k 2018 ACRA results (20180527ACRA.pdf)
May 25-27 2018, Lake Lanier: UTC's Men's Double Sculls makes the B Final and finishes 2nd at 7:44.949 — Michigan winning the B at 7:34.713. Time trial entry 11th of the field at 7:28.3; through Semi 2 (6th, 8:36.949) to the B. The last documented UTC team boat at ACRA until the 2026 M4x — eight years later.
Source · row2k 2018 ACRA results (20180527ACRA.pdf)
August 27, 2018: the UTC Rowing Constitution is formally updated (originally adopted Aug 22, 2013). Three-tier program structure: Group Fitness Class drop-in, Club Member ($100/sem), Travel Squad ($200/sem) racing in Knoxville, Nashville, Gainesville, Tampa, Orlando, Charleston, and Boston.
Source · UTC Rowing Constitution, Aug 27 2018
August 27, 2018: the UTC Rowing Constitution is formally updated (originally adopted Aug 22, 2013). Three-tier program structure: Group Fitness Class drop-in, Club Member ($100/sem), Travel Squad ($200/sem) racing in Knoxville, Nashville, Gainesville, Tampa, Orlando, Charleston, and Boston.
Source · UTC Rowing Constitution, Aug 27 2018
June 2019: Sarah McDarmont, then a sophomore, finishes 7th in the women's single at the ACRA National Championship Regatta on Lake Lanier — UTC's first entry in a varsity women's event at ACRA Nationals. McDarmont had finished 3rd at TIRC 2019 four months earlier.
June 2019: Sarah McDarmont, then a sophomore, finishes 7th in the women's single at the ACRA National Championship Regatta on Lake Lanier — UTC's first entry in a varsity women's event at ACRA Nationals. McDarmont had finished 3rd at TIRC 2019 four months earlier.
Spring 2020 racing season is lost. UTC Rowing's Board of Directors keeps detailed minutes through the pandemic. In August 2020, the team votes unanimously to spend $5,500 of $9,016 cash on hand on six oarboards (land-based rowing simulators) so athletes can train individually. New dock installed October 2020.
Spring 2020 racing season is lost. UTC Rowing's Board of Directors keeps detailed minutes through the pandemic. In August 2020, the team votes unanimously to spend $5,500 of $9,016 cash on hand on six oarboards (land-based rowing simulators) so athletes can train individually. New dock installed October 2020.
Officers Virginia Willis (President), Emily Murr (VP), Omar Morales (Treasurer). Women's captain Chynna Knight, men's captain Brandon Humphrys lead the boats through reduced operations.
Officers Virginia Willis (President), Emily Murr (VP), Omar Morales (Treasurer). Women's captain Chynna Knight, men's captain Brandon Humphrys lead the boats through reduced operations.
UTC races SIRA at Oak Ridge, April 15-16, 2022. The 2022 club-sports banquet recognizes Karoline Bonastia (MVP) and Steven Stanford (HOT). Between December 2022 and January 2023, UTC's barges are lost — the program's river-access infrastructure is gone.
UTC races SIRA at Oak Ridge, April 15-16, 2022. The 2022 club-sports banquet recognizes Karoline Bonastia (MVP) and Steven Stanford (HOT). Between December 2022 and January 2023, UTC's barges are lost — the program's river-access infrastructure is gone.
Karoline Bonastia takes club president for the 2023 academic year, leading a 9-rower roster: Steven Stanford (VP), Ethan Hitchcock (Treasurer), Rileigh Arrington (Safety Officer), and athletes with significant junior-rowing experience like Henri Collins (4.5 years) and Rya Potts (5 years).
Karoline Bonastia takes club president for the 2023 academic year, leading a 9-rower roster: Steven Stanford (VP), Ethan Hitchcock (Treasurer), Rileigh Arrington (Safety Officer), and athletes with significant junior-rowing experience like Henri Collins (4.5 years) and Rya Potts (5 years).
Detailed event-by-event UTC results from the Worth years are largely gated behind RegattaCentral's bot protections and have not been recovered for this timeline. We know UTC competed at ACRA, Dad Vail, Hooch, SIRA, and the regional regattas through this entire window. The exact placings remain on the open-question list — and the alumni-submission form is the most likely path to closing it.
Detailed event-by-event UTC results from the Worth years are largely gated behind RegattaCentral's bot protections and have not been recovered for this timeline. We know UTC competed at ACRA, Dad Vail, Hooch, SIRA, and the regional regattas through this entire window. The exact placings remain on the open-question list — and the alumni-submission form is the most likely path to closing it.
Four athletes, an aging fleet, and a roster back on the Tennessee. The program is back.
4 moments
UTC Rowing returns. Coach Michael Kinsey and Abraham Mako get a boat back on the water with the first roster in five years — four athletes, ACRA M4x. Mako, a Chattanooga Juniors product who co-founded Chattanooga State Rowing with Jack Cawood before transferring to UTC, is the most experienced rower in the boat. The first competitive UTC crew since the program went dark.
UTC Rowing returns. Coach Michael Kinsey and Abraham Mako get a boat back on the water with the first roster in five years — four athletes, ACRA M4x. Mako, a Chattanooga Juniors product who co-founded Chattanooga State Rowing with Jack Cawood before transferring to UTC, is the most experienced rower in the boat. The first competitive UTC crew since the program went dark.
Nov 2025 UTC News covers the inaugural Athletes vs. Engineers Tennessee River Race / Concrete Canoe — the program's first organized event of the new chapter.
Nov 2025 UTC News covers the inaugural Athletes vs. Engineers Tennessee River Race / Concrete Canoe — the program's first organized event of the new chapter.
December 2025: Michael Kinsey graduates UTC mechatronics and steps into the unpaid Head Coach role at UTC Rowing while also serving as founding Head Coach of Chattanooga State Rowing — two collegiate programs sharing one stretch of river.
December 2025: Michael Kinsey graduates UTC mechatronics and steps into the unpaid Head Coach role at UTC Rowing while also serving as founding Head Coach of Chattanooga State Rowing — two collegiate programs sharing one stretch of river.
UTC's M4x — bow Jay Pollard, 2 Tyler Burkett, 3 Conner Richardson, stroke Abraham Mako — raced at ACRA Nationals on Melton Hill Lake in Oak Ridge, TN, May 15-17, 2026. Sixth of six in the heat (7:42.797, Purdue winning at 7:01.460). Third in the B Final by 0.562 seconds in a photo finish over Virginia RA (7:37.900 — nearly five seconds faster than the heat). Bowdoin won the B at 7:23.273. The boat went off the line in a Vespoli loaner 4x — UTC's own Empacher 'Chattanooga' was sidelined by a hull breach. All four are UTC class of 2027; Conner, Tyler, and Jay are U.S. Army active duty. Mako, the most experienced rower in the boat, started at Chattanooga Juniors and co-founded Chattanooga State Rowing before transferring to UTC. The other three first sat in a shell on April 6, 2026 — six weeks before the line. The first UTC team boat at ACRA in eight years.
UTC's M4x — bow Jay Pollard, 2 Tyler Burkett, 3 Conner Richardson, stroke Abraham Mako — raced at ACRA Nationals on Melton Hill Lake in Oak Ridge, TN, May 15-17, 2026. Sixth of six in the heat (7:42.797, Purdue winning at 7:01.460). Third in the B Final by 0.562 seconds in a photo finish over Virginia RA (7:37.900 — nearly five seconds faster than the heat). Bowdoin won the B at 7:23.273. The boat went off the line in a Vespoli loaner 4x — UTC's own Empacher 'Chattanooga' was sidelined by a hull breach. All four are UTC class of 2027; Conner, Tyler, and Jay are U.S. Army active duty. Mako, the most experienced rower in the boat, started at Chattanooga Juniors and co-founded Chattanooga State Rowing before transferring to UTC. The other three first sat in a shell on April 6, 2026 — six weeks before the line. The first UTC team boat at ACRA in eight years.
What’s missing
If you rowed at UTC — or know someone who did — your story makes the picture more complete. Even a one-line memory closes a gap.