Spring Break 2026 started off with a bang. We had an outstanding turnout from alumni at our Annual Spring Banquet, kicking off the spring racing season in a memorable way. During the event, we also honored Coach Wagner for his remarkable contributions to the team and his 38 years as Head Coach. Many of his former teammates and athletes were in attendance, including multiple Olympians and two Major Generals from the Armed Services.

On the water, the momentum built quickly. The team put together a strong performance on the Friday before break with a 2k erg test, followed by a 3x2k session on the water the day of the banquet. Spirits were high, with numerous personal records and boats moving well.

By Monday, however, classic New Jersey weather had arrived, bringing frigid mornings on the Raritan. Icicles on the riggers and frozen shirts couldn’t slow down the men of Rutgers Crew. They pushed forward, continuing to build on the speed developed indoors and refine their work on the water.

After 11 practices, the team was feeling the workload but eager to host St. Joseph’s University for the first scrimmage of the year on the Raritan. Four Rutgers eights lined up against three St. Joe’s crews for a 2k, followed by two 1k pieces. All Rutgers boats were highly competitive against a strong St. Joe’s squad—an encouraging sign of early-season speed for the Red Team.

The highlight of the day came from the Rutgers 3V, featuring two first-year oarsmen, who raced side-by-side with a St. Joe’s boat the entire length of the course and secured a decisive win.

Next up, Rutgers travels to Shamokin Dam, PA for the Susquehanna Duals, where they will face Virginia, Bucknell, and Notre Dame. Michigan will also be in attendance, though they will not race Rutgers directly. As always, strong competition is expected among these fast ACRA rivals.

Upstream Red Team.