Purdue Crew's 2025 Season
Written by Brady Hurd, Purdue Crew
2025 has been an exceptional year for Purdue Crew, and there’s more to come.
Our Varsity Men’s crew found their stride this spring. A group of driven young men can accomplish great things — even more with a fine coach. Team culture built on hard work and friendly competition grew as they found success in dual races to start the season. Our crew learned a great deal about themselves at SIRAs. Fourth place finishes in both the First and Second Varsity eights seemed unremarkable at first glance. Steadfast, coach Jack Kellmanson believed that our crew was highly competitive at the national level. Shortly after, the First Varsity 8+ went on to win MACRAs. With weeks left until nationals, our lineups were set. Correcting minor technical flaws, our crews wrenched every last ounce of speed from the shells. Nothing was left to do but race when the time came. So far I’ve withheld my personal commentary, but I can’t help it. There aren’t many comforting feelings on race day — the tension at the start line, the fear of failure — except the overwhelming relief of knowing who my competitors are up against. Sitting in this boat that I’m part of (not just “in”), I can’t help but think that our competitors face long odds racing such dedicated, hard-working oarsmen. Unsurprisingly, our First Varsity 8+ finished in second place at ACRAs and our Second Varsity 8+ earned third place. Following our best Varsity 8+ placement to date, we had planned a cheeky business trip to the Henley Royal Regatta in England this summer. In preparation, we selected the crew from novice and varsity rowers, and training began. We were granted pre-qualification for our performance at ACRAs. Unfortunately, however, we were matched up against our familiar counterparts in the Temple Challenge Cup. The University of Virginia, who bested us by a few seconds at nationals, proved their speed was no fluke. Our Boilermakers greatly enjoyed the opportunity to compete with speedy international crews. This season was one of learning, growing, and turning belief into results.
Our Women’s crew dealt with plenty of unwelcome external factors this spring. Despite illnesses and injuries, our women were able to race well as a team. The first regatta they took on this season was Percy Priest Sprints in Nashville. The Women’s First Novice 8+ took gold despite inclement weather and shortened racing. At SIRAs, both our First and Second Varsity eights made the A final. As ACRAs approached, the women dug their heels in, some athletes doing two-a-day workouts. The lineups were settled, and once again, only racing was left to be done. The First Novice 8+ and Second Varsity 8+ made Grand Finals, while the First Varsity 8+ just barely came short. They went on to win the Petite Final handily. With a trip across the Atlantic planned, members of the Varsity and Novice crews stepped up to the challenge of Henley selection. Hot summer days and seat racing ensued for weeks. Ultimately, the lineup shook out, we flew to England, and learned that the women would have to qualify. Professional yet lighthearted, they practiced on the Thames for the battle to come. Though disappointing, losing is a priceless learning moment when a crew expends all their effort on the water. They went on to enjoy the sights of London, strut around the Steward’s Enclosure, and sing fight songs for our men — few of the many great experiences that come with the Henley Royal Regatta.
We are thankful for our competition which motivates us to be better. We cannot wait to welcome a new class of Novice rowers this year — and look forward to having last year’s Novices on our Varsity teams. With a strong team culture and unwavering determination, we are excited for the near future of Purdue Crew.
Purdue Crew is a JL Racing Partner
Purdue Crew represent the highest ideals of being both a college student and college athlete. The team yearly posts one of the highest GPA averages of any club or sports team on campus, while bringing home medals and trophies from the largest regattas across the nation. The team is made up of a healthy mix of both experienced high school rowers and walk-on athletes new to the sport.