A historic tale inspires a new generation
On the brink of Hitler’s rise, nine young Husky rowers fearlessly embarked on an incredible journey, carrying with them the hopes of a nation. Defying all odds, this ragtag group seized gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
In 2013, the gripping book The Boys in the Boat brought their inspirational tale to life — detailing all the trials, setbacks and — finally — cathartic triumph.
“Even before the book, we at the UW knew it was a great story, but now the whole world knows about it,” says Men’s Rowing Head Coach Michael Callahan, who himself rowed for Washington from 1992 to 1996. “Trust, teamwork and perseverance — legendary UW rowing team figures Ulbrickson, Bolles and Pocock taught those values then, and we teach them today.”
The Boys in the Boat is set to attract a broader audience as it steps into the limelight in a highly anticipated adaptation for the silver screen. Directed and co-produced by George Clooney and starring 32-year-old British actor Callum Turner (“Emma” and “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald”) in the role of Joe Rantz, the movie is eagerly anticipated for its release December 25.
A legacy to preserve: endowing the future of Washington Rowing
To celebrate the memory of that ’36 team and fuel the dreams of the next generation of rowers, The Boys in the Boat Endowment was established to provide financial support for the operational costs of UW Men’s Rowing.
Contributions will allow the program to continue to shape values-driven student-athletes who will make a positive impact on the world. “Trust, teamwork and perseverance are values that transcend time,” Coach Callahan emphasizes. “By supporting the Boys in the Boat Endowment, we are preserving the legacy of this historic program for future generations.”
For those interested in directly supporting UW Women’s Rowing, The Title IX Legacy Endowment offers a way to support the operational costs of the women’s program. Started by a group of Washington women rowers from the ’70s, the endowment is named in honor of the landmark Title IX legislation that opened the door to equity for women in athletics, education and life.
Both endowments provide a perpetual source of funding that will preserve the legacy of these historic programs and propel new generations towards success, both on and off the water.
As the journey of these young Husky rowers unfolds on the big screen, their story will continue to resonate. Their spirit drives us to not only row forward but to create ripples of positive change in the world.
