Shells to be Dedicated to John D. Boyle & Joan Lind Van Blom
After a successful annual membership drive last fall, the Beach Crew Alumni Association is proud to announce the dedication of two racing shells being introduced in the spring racing season. We are honored to have the Women’s Resolute 8+ shell dedicated to our 49er Hall of Fame recipient, Joan (Lind) Van Blom. The Men’s golden Vespoli 8+ shell will be dedicated to a influential and respected alum, John D. Boyle.
Please join us for Dedication Day, Saturday March 7, 2:00 PM, after racing has commenced at the Southern California Opening Day Regatta, right here at the Long Beach State Boathouse. Come hear a special presentation from our guest of honor, CSULB President, Dr. Jane Close Conoley.
Racing starts at 8:00AM with a series of time trials for the sprints later in the morning.
The entire day will be broadcasted thanks to our partnership with TRC. Coverage starts at 7:00AM. http://beachcrew.org/live
Pete Archer Rowing Center
5750 Boathouse Lane
Long Beach
ABOUT JOHN D. BOYLE
John Boyle embodied the contrast of rowing’s comfortable intensity. His dedication and loyalty made him an example for his boat mates and team members to follow. Although his time with us was far too short, his influence has continued on. John rowed on the varsity crew from 1984-1986. His boat won the V8+ event at WIRA in 1984 & 1986. He coached the Women’s Novice team from 1989-1991.
ABOUT JOAN (LIND) VAN BLOM
Joan (Lind) Van Blom was the first woman to win an Olympic medal for the United States in rowing, taking silver in the single sculls at the 1976 Olympic Games and in the quadruple sculls at the 1984 Olympics. She has not only medaled as a rower, but also medaled internationally as a coach in the Pan American Games, and currently holds 11 world records on the ergometer.
She has been an ambassador for the sport, raising over a million dollars in grants to bring rowing to high school students and teachers. She currently teaches rowing classes on the ergometer to non-rowers at the Pete Archer Boathouse and inspirationally continues to train and compete.
