Traditions & Awards
Novice Pins
Blessing of the Fleet
Blessing of the Fleet
First Awarded: June 2011
A novice pin is presented to members of the squad after the completion of their first year on the crew. Those 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.
Blessing of the Fleet
Blessing of the Fleet
Blessing of the Fleet
Last Held: February 2019
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.
Marathon Row
Blessing of the Fleet
Four Year Seat Award
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.
Four Year Seat Award
Four Year Seat Award
Four Year Seat Award
First Awarded: Spring 2015
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 for for four or more years.
Knucklebreaker Oar
Four Year Seat Award
Knucklebreaker Oar
First Awarded: May 2013
Student-athletes who break an oar during practice or racing are awarded their oar as a keepsake.
First Awarded to Addam Knowlson & Nicholas Battaglia.
Change of Command
Four Year Seat Award
Knucklebreaker Oar
First Performed: 4 June 2011
Last performed: 1 June 2020
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 career 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 commit themselves to excellence.
Old Salts
Shrimp Gumbo
Shrimp Gumbo
Alumni of the rowing program refer to themselves as 'Old Salts'
Shrimp Gumbo
Shrimp Gumbo
Shrimp Gumbo
End-of-season banquet
Brother Robert Ziobro, SC '63
TBD