When former Temple University standout rower Rob Canavan was named head coach of the Georgia Tech University Club Rowing program 19 years ago, he made the Dad Vail Regatta the focal point of his team's season.
"The Dad Vail Regatta is what we talk about from Day 1 each season," said Canavan. "The now Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta is the focal point of our season."
Georgia Tech established their club-rowing program in 1985 and has been an annual visitor to the Schuylkill every year. Throughout the years, the Yellow Jackets have medaled in various race categories, placed second in the Dad Vail Men's point trophy (2007-2009) and Canvavan was named Aberdeen Dad Vail Coach of the Year in 2010. When Georgia Tech arrives later this week for the 2012 Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta Canavan hopes to see that trend continue
"Our team has worked really hard this year," Canavan said. "All of the athletes understand how much the Dad Vail Regatta means and everyone has been working hard to achieve our goal of performing well at the Dad Vail."
When Canavan was named the Head Coach for Georgia Tech in 1993, which is a campus that occupies 400 acres in the heart of the city of Atlanta, he brought with him a wealth of rowing knowledge that was perfect for a then fledging program looking to raise the bar. Canavan's rowing background included collegiate experience at Temple University, which has been a perennial power at the Dad Vail Regatta, as well as United States National Team experience.
"Coach Rob has done a great of job helping us improve as a team," said senior Sean Gibel, whose father Paul rowed with Sean at Temple University. "The coaches also do a great job of preparing us for the whole atmosphere of the Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta and just how special of an event this is."
As the entire team makes its final preparations, the Yellow Jackets Men's Varsity Heavyweight Eight boat will consist of Alyssa McKay (coxswain), Sean Gibel (stroke), Ian McCreadie (7th seat), Ben England (6th seat), Matt Watters (5th seat), Zach Gasko (4th seat), Adam McKenzie (3rd seat), Mike Trimberger (2nd seat) and Tommy Kazenstein (bow).
Following a successful fall campaign, Georgia Tech showed continued success early in the spring season that included a victory in the John Hunter Regatta as well as a respectable showing at the San Diego Classic.
One of the main ingredients to Georgia Tech's early spring success was Gibel. As Canavan describes, "Sean is the heart and soul of the team. He brings everyone else up to a higher level by working hard and pursuing excellence. Sean's father had the same desire to achieve. They are both what you call winners."
Having the benefit of having his high school row out of the same house as Georgia Tech, Gibel quickly became a household name for Canavan. Although Sean's father and Rob were close friends, it was Sean's desire that caught Canavan's attention.
"Sean has always been dedicated to the sport of rowing," Canavan said. Georgia Tech has had a few oarsmen row on the United States National Team. These men have the hunger to win. Sean has that same fire."
Sean said, "It was a great feeling to know that coach Canavan wanted me to attend Georgia Tech. He and the other coaches have done a great job helping us get faster and do what we need to do to be successful."
With the 2012 Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta less than one week away, Georgia Tech is making its final preparations with hopes of continuing its trend of medaling.
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