George Pocock was the finest designer and builder of racing shells in his generation. Here, he shows his newest to the W crew coaches, in 1930. (Special Collections, University of Washington Libraries)
Harmony, balance, and rhythm. They’re the three things that rowing teaches that stay with you your whole life.
UW men’s rowing team winning the Olympics over Italy and Germany.
In 1936, the varsity men’s crew won gold at the Berlin Olympics and set a world record. This successful innovation built on a synergy of physics and physiology, system and opportunism, craft and skill – the boys in the boat, and the innovators who built it.
Hiram Conibear “didn’t know one end of a boat from the other” when he was hired as Husky crew coach in 1907. His solution was to study. Working to improve the orthodox Oxford stroke. Conibear took home a skeleton from the UW Biology Department, borrowed a rowing scull seat, and placed broom handles in the skeleton’s hands. After extensive experiment, he invented the distinctive Washington stroke, short and snappy, leg-driven.
Boatbuilders George and Richard Pocock learned their craft from their father who built racing shells in England. The young men immigrated to Vancouver, B.C., and Conibear recruited them to open a new shop at UW. Experimenting with northwest wood, George Pocock adapted his designs to red cedar, and perfected construction of light, strong racing shells and oars.
Hiram Boardman Conibear (britannica.com)
Ulbrickson masterminded the development of the winning 1936 men’s crew - here, he passes some sage advice to coxswain Curly Harris, in 1931. (Museum of History & Industry)
Conibear’s successor, Al Ulbrickson, developed his own coaching system, taking shrewd advantage of the unique opportunities presented by each year’s crew. Under his direction, Husky rowers developed a characteristic style, laying back for much of the race and then bursting to a final explosive sprint.
And finally there were the young men in the boat, undefeated national champions who rowed together in intuitive harmony to win gold. Husky crew’s 1936 triumph represents cumulative innovation that drew their best from everyone involved for three decades.
Husky Rowing Practice, 1936 (Ulbrickson family)
Further Reading
“Washington to Have Hard Row, Admits Callow” (PDF)
Former Husky rower and current UPenn coach Rusty Callow told reporters that the UW men’s team would have a tough time winning in Berlin, 7/0/1936.
Seattle Times
“Washington Athletes in Games” (PDF)
Local newspaper coverage of the range of Washington and UW athletes competing in the 1936 Berlin Olympics
Seattle Times
“Welcome Planned” (PDF)
Newspaper announcement of the greatest welcome in Washington State
history to honor all the athletes returning from the Berlin Olympic
games, 9/17/1936.
Seattle Times
“Ulbrickson Back, Praises Courage of Husky Crew” (PDF)
Local coverage of effusive praise from Coach Al Ulbrickson for his world champion Husky rovers, 9/7/1936.
Seattle Times
Additional Resources
100 Year History of Rowing at UW
http://www.huskycrew.com/
Pocock Rowing Foundation
http://www.pocockfoundation.org/history
Daniel James Brown, The Boys in the Boat
http://www.danieljamesbrown.com/books/the-boys-in-the-boat/
Biography of George Pocock
http://www.pocock.com/about/history/
