Since 1956
The Beginning of Jacksonville Rowing
The inspiring history of JU Rowing began in 1956, when Coach “Tiger” Tim Tyler started the program while teaching math and physics. Though he’d never rowed himself, he was a graduate of the US Naval Academy, and used his connections to arrange the donation of four slightly used Pocock 8s and oars, some of which were used into the 1980s! He and just 20 athletes constructed a boat shed from driftwood, which was completed in 1957. That spring, the crew’s first victory came against American University. Tyler continued to coach until 1969, and remained a fervent supporter of JU Crew.
Across the Decades
Hall of Fame
tim Tyler
Tyler established the rowing program in 195 after gaining experience with boats and ships while serving in the Navy, with his first team taking the water in 1954. “Tiger '' Tim Tyler, as he became known because of his competitiveness, originally had no background in the sport but helped build a boathouse on campus out of scrap wood. He was able to get the United States Naval Academy to donate four rowing shells to JU for the program.
Bill Jurgens
Jurgens life has been dedicated to rowing. As a junior in 1967, Jurgens was the recipient of the IW Bull Award, voted on by the team for the outstanding leading. After his time as a Dolphin, he rowed on the US National Team in 1974 and won the national championship in pair with coxswain. Later, Jurgens turned to coaching with the US National Lightweight team in 1980 and then at the Florida Institute of Technology, where Jurgens is in the Hall of Fame as well.
Brad Neegard
Neegard, a three-time national champion during his career at JU, also coached four teams to national titles during his 10-year coaching career at JU . Additionally, he was a member of the 1979 U.S. Pan American team and the 1991 Masters world championship 8. Neegard has remained active in this program, helping raise money and coaching staff support. His contribution was one of the major donations to the new state-of-art Negaard Rowing Center that opened in the fall of 2007
John Petrakis
One of the legends in JU rowing, John Petrakis was a member of the team from 1969-1973. He was the team captain for the 1972-1973 season, leading the Dolphins program to new heights. Upon graduation from JU, he became a successful businessman with an undeniable passion for the rowing program, which honored him with an annual race that bears his name.
Kristen Neegard
