Newest Crew Shell Christened In Honor Of Academy President McDonald During New England Championships

Newest Crew Shell Christened In Honor Of Academy President McDonald During New England Championships

The Massachusetts Maritime crew programs dedicated their newest shell on Saturday afternoon during competition at the 2017 New England Rowing Championships on Lake Quinsigamond in Worcester, Mass., as the newest Buccaneer vessel was christened the “Coach Francis X. McDonald” in honor of Academy President Rear Admiral Francis X. McDonald ’85.

 

Admiral McDonald served as the first crew coach in the mid-90’s and guided the program from its infant stages during that time period.  The newest shell in Head Coach Alex Machi’s fleet was made possible through the generosity of crew alumni and friends, and the christening ceremony took place as Massachusetts Maritime completed its spring season against squads from all divisions at Saturday’s championship event.

 

McDonald, who is completing his second year as the Academy’s President, mentored the first Buccaneer crew student-athlete to be inducted into Massachusetts Maritime’s Athletic Hall of Fame in Meghan Carter Duggan ’99, as she was enshrined in 2005.

 

“Admiral McDonald’s legacy as a coach carries on to this day as a tireless supporter and advocate for not only the crew program, but for Buccaneer Athletics as a whole,” Massachusetts Maritime Director of Athletics Garin Veris said of the christening.  “The opportunities he provided countless student-athletes over 20 years ago are being paid forward today, and we continue to be grateful for those opportunities across the board.”

 

(Photo Credit:  Alex Machi)