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First Awarded: June 2011

A novice pin is presented to members of the squad after the completion of their first year on the crew.  These student-athletes  demonstrate an unbridled enthusiasm for rowing, a high degree of motivation to learn, and embrace the spirit of Saint Joseph Crew. The novice pin is worn on the lapel of a blazer or on the left collar of a shirt and has been  rowing tradition since 1825.

Last Held: August 2021

Next Scheduled: August 2025

The Blessing of the Fleet is an age-old maritime tradition. Rowing shells may be added to the fleet, Christened with a new name, and clergy offer a prayer for a safe and competitive season. Student-athletes, families, alumni and coaches are invited to attend.

The marathon row is the capstone to the spring and fall racing seasons. The spring marathon row is completed on the water and is "Brick Factory & Back" in team boats while the fall marathon row is an individual time posted on rowing machines. 

First Awarded: June 2015

Next Scheduled: 2 June 2025

Saint Joseph Crew presents the Four Year Seat to those athletes whose determination, perseverance, resilience and commitment of those oarsmen who have competed with Saint Joseph  for four or more years have not gone unnoticed. Recipients of the Four Year Seat leave a legacy for younger crews to strive for. 

The Four Year Seat was first awarded to both James Gallagher '15  Christian Ambrico '15 who were the first to row for four or more years. 

First Awarded: May 2013

Student-athletes who break an oar during racing are awarded their oar as a keepsake.

First Awarded to Addam Knowlson '13 & Nicholas Battaglia '14 in 2013.

Latest oar gifted to Andrew Eisenhart '25 in April 2024.

First Performed: 4 June 2011

Last performed: 2 June 2025

Next Scheduled: 1 June 2026

At the conclusion of the academic and scholastic rowing year the graduating Team Captain requests permission  to retire from his command of the crew and permission to "go ashore" for the last time. This symbolizes the end of his duty as team captain. 

The outgoing captain charges the new captain, and all student-athletes under his command,  to abide by the rules which govern the crew and to commit themselves to excellence. 

Each spring  just before graduation Brother Robert would call Coach and say, "I'd like to have the boys over for supper one evening. Bring the seniors-- I'd like to break bread with them before they graduate and go off to college." 

Every year Brother hosted the seniors for dinner he prepared the same dish-- shrimp gumbo. Often times there would be a second tray on the counter: red beans, rice, and kielbasa, "for the boys who may not like the gumbo" Brother would say.

In honor of his many years as our Team Chaplain shrimp gumbo appears on the menu for our End of Season Banquet.

First Held: May 2013

Last Held: May 2019

Next Scheduled: TBD

On occasions where two, or more, sets of brothers are rosters on the crew a friendly scrimmage between families takes place in double sculls.