Marietta alum Jim Metcalf donates $35,000 for new racing shell
Gift will go into crew endowment until Pioneer Navy needs a new eight-man boat

Dec. 4, 2007
MARIETTA, Ohio — Thanks to the generosity of 1979 Marietta College graduate Jim Metcalf, the next time that the Pioneer Navy needs to update its fleet it will have the funds to do so. Metcalf recently donated $35,000 to the crew endowment to be used for the future purchase of new eight-man racing shell.

"Jim understands the equipment needs of a successful crew program and has been very generous in making sure that Marietta College is one of the best outfitted crews at the Dad Vail level," said third-year Head Coach Chris Pucella. "The team appreciates Jim’s continued support of the Pioneer Navy."

The Pioneers' active fleet currently consists of 21 boats, which include eight eights, four fours and nine pairs.

Metcalf, who lives outside of Houston, Texas, was a four-year member of the men's crew. As part of the Freshman Heavyweight 8+, he helped the Pioneer Navy win the Dad Vail in 1976.

Marietta is a five-time Varsity 8+ champion at Dad Vails, winning the inaugural race in 1934 to go along with victories in 1963, 1966, 1967 and 2006.

The Pioneer Navy begins its 2008 spring season at the Mayor's Cup in Tampa, Florida, on March 15. With a strong recruiting class, the team has made the commitment to focus on the development of its freshman. This will allow the Pioneers to build a solid foundation and to achieve continued success in the years to come.