The CRCA Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have contributed above and beyond to the sport of rowing through exceptional service, leadership, support, growth, and education. We honor coaches who have committed their personal and professional lives to collegiate rowing, and significantly contributed to the advancement of the rowing at the local, national or international level.
Eligible coaches must have served as a coach in women’s collegiate rowing for a minimum of 15 years.
The Trailblazer Award is awarded to individuals who have contributed above and beyond to the sport of rowing and meet all other criteria, without 15 years of coaching experience.
Below are the Hall of Fame members.
John Fuchs
John Fuchs has been the architect of Western Washington University’s rise to national prominence in Division II rowing, leading the Vikings from the moment they joined NCAA competition in 1999 through 26 extraordinary seasons. A WWU alumnus and lifelong Viking, he transformed Lake Samish into a world-class training environment, strengthened the program through extensive fundraising, and built nine NCAA National Championship teams (each composed entirely of walk-on student-athletes). Under his leadership, WWU amassed 20 NCAA Championship appearances, 19 podium finishes, 16 individual championships, multiple GNAC and WIRA championships, and 38 CRCA All-Americans. His crews held the number one national ranking 11 times, and his own accolades include four CRCA Coach of the Year honors and multiple regional and conference awards.
Beyond the record books, Fuchs is celebrated for his rare ability to discover raw talent and cultivate leaders, creating a walk-on development model unmatched in Division II rowing. His impact spans nearly 40 years as an athlete, alumnus, steward, and head coach, leaving an indelible legacy on WWU Rowing. As WWU Athletics Director Jim Sterk noted, Fuchs “put the student-athlete first in every process… and the imprint he has left on this program will be forever part of our department.”
John Gartin – Trailblazer Award
John has made a profound impact on collegiate rowing through program building, competitive success, and national leadership. He founded the rowing program at Nova Southeastern University, leading the team to an NCAA championship in the Varisty 4+. He later helped the University of Oklahoma secure its first NCAA Championship berth as an assistant coach. After transitioning out of coaching and into academia, he remained an active force in the sport, stepping forward during the COVID shutdown to co-found the CRCA Sustainability Committee at a time when many programs faced elimination. His work was instrumental in preserving two varsity teams, University of Connecticut and Nova Southeastern, during one of the most precarious moments in collegiate rowing.
Beyond saving programs, John helped guide the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association into a new era. He drafted the proposal to create a full-time CRCA Executive Director role, and served as Executive Director himself, leading the CRCA’s transformation into a more stable and professional organization. He continues to shape the CRCA’s direction through his service on executive hiring committees.
Becky Robinson
Becky Robinson’s 30-year tenure as the first Head Coach of Women’s Rowing at Ithaca College established her as one of the most influential leaders in Division III rowing. A former U.S. National Team athlete and Ithaca College Hall of Fame inductee, she combined elite experience with deep technical expertise. Becky played a defining role in shaping the landscape of DIII rowing through her service on the NCAA Women’s Rowing Committee, where she helped establish championship structures and selection procedures for DIII. Her leadership extended nationally and regionally as President of the NY State Rowing Championship organizing committee, where she revived and strengthened one of the region’s premier regattas.
At Ithaca, Becky built a model program marked by competitive excellence with 23 NCAA Championship appearances, two NCAA Team Titles, a V8+ national title, and six consecutive Liberty League Championships. She co-led the $1M renovation of the IC boathouse, secured long-term resources for the program, and expanded opportunities through the addition of Women’s Varsity Sculling. Her mentorship has launched more than 17 athletes and assistants into collegiate coaching and guided multiple rowers to the elite and Olympic levels, including coaching Emily Morley at the 2016 Rio Games. With her rare combination of vision, analytical clarity, infectious energy, and deep care for her athletes, Becky stands as a defining architect of modern DIII rowing and an extraordinary coach, mentor, and friend.
2023
Bebe Bryans
Robin Meiggs
2019
Lori Dauphiny
Lynn Oberbillig
2018
Andy Teitelbaum
2017
Kevin Sauer
2016
Liz O’Leary
2015
Jim Dietz
Bob Ernst
Carie Graves
2014
Anita Lucette DeFrantz
John Murphy
Phoebe Murphy
2013
Chris Combs
2011
Christine Grant
2009
Nat Case
2008
Sue Ela
Jan Harville
2007
Ernestine Baker
Fred Emerson
Joanne Iverson
Ed Lickiss
Patty Wyatt
