Letter from Coach Bugenhagen

We've had an excellent fall season. This year the Team continues to improve on the standards and performances set last year by continuing to raise the bar we measure ourselves against. We have a great deal of positive institutional momentum and its driving our growth here on campus and our continued pursuit of new levels of success.

We currently have 10 varsity athletes and 24 freshman athletes. The varsity athletes have again succeeded in reaching new personal records for themselves over 6000m. The Varsity also returned to the 2006 Head of the Charles and finished 13th out of 28 teams in the Men's Collegiate 4+. In addition, our future is in good hands with this year's freshman class as evidenced in their strong performance against the Ivy League crews at the Belly of the Carnegie, and the new freshman 20' record that George Rockett set on September 29.

While the momentum is strong, we are at a pivotal time in terms of the financial resources for the program. While a small team can get by with loads of sweat equity, our team continues to grow and seeks to become one of the elite programs in the country. To stay on this course and provide current Bucknell students with every opportunity to succeed we need all former rowers and coxswains to make the choice to support the program consistently. A solid financial future on top of our team's culture and our pursuit of excellence will create a truly impressive program.

To meet our expenses, I am asking each alumnus to do their part in helping out your program. While it requires your help, it does not require a significant investment on your part. If all former rowers and coxswains supported the team with a minimum gift of $300, or just $25 per month, our program would be in a position to truly excel.

I appreciate your consideration and your continual support as we rebuild Bucknell crew into a truly impressive program that all of us may share in and be proud of.

Sincerely,

Paul Bugenhagen
Bucknell Men's Crew Head Coach