Wisconsin where They Row

Book excerpt: Wisconsin Where They Row is the definitive history of rowing at the University of Wisconsin. Although this oldest of intercollegiate sports had its American beginnings in 1852 as a contest among Ivy League men, it would soon have to make room for the stubborn steadfastness of Wisconsin's athletes. Author Brad Taylor captures the unique character of Wisconsin crew and its athletes in this meticulously researched and abundantly illustrated book. Taylor recounts rowing's beginnings as the first UW intramural sport in 1874, the long and rich history of the men's crew, the establishment of the women's team in 1972, and the presence of Wisconsin rowers on every U.S. Olympic rowing squad from 1968 through 2004. Taylor tells of the UW men's victory in 1892 at Oconomowoc against the "Chicago Navy," their first competition against an outside club; the story of the famed Berry-Crate Crew; and the Badger crews' participation in the early intercollegiate regattas on the Hudson River. Taylor depicts how boats were shipped east by train; how one coach sacrificed most of his salary during the threadbare 1930s to keep the sport alive; and how thousands of spectators watched races from railroad flatcars and yachts. Taylor spent four years interviewing key figures, visiting race venues, and delving into the archives of college libraries, historical societies, and newspapers. The result is not only this book, but also a trove of information, rowing memorabilia, and some two thousand images of Wisconsin crew history that Taylor will donate to the University of Wisconsin archives and the new crew boathouse. Wisconsin Where They Row documents in detail an exciting story important to sports history, to Wisconsin's heritage, and to alums and fans of the Badger crew teams. It will appeal to anyone who thrills at the sight of oars flashing and shells skimming across blue water.