Announcing “The Oarsman” winners

“The Oarsman” recognizes a generational talent: someone whose collegiate record is not only impressive but, in many cases, unprecedented within their program. Though only one crew may win gold, this award recognizes the individual who has made their team greater through tireless dedication, transformative impact, and uncompromising excellence. The Oarsman award stands as a tribute to those rare athletes who achieve greatness not only through personal excellence but through a lasting commitment to their team, their sport, and the values that define true champions.

Finalists, as selected from the pool of nominees by the IRCA Board of Directors, included the following athletes:

Division 3

Wyatt Mills, Trinity College

Asher Israel, Wesleyan University

Heavyweight

Theo Bell, Princeton University

Gennaro di Mauro, Univ. of Californai-Berkeley

Lyle Donovan, University of Washington

Ulrik Lohne, Yale University

Ben Scott, Harvard University

Lightweight

Reuben Cook, Princeton University

Lucas Young, MIT

Ben Lundie, Harvard University

The IRCA is pleased to announce the the inaugural winners of “The Oarsman” - Wyatt Mills from Trinity College, Ben Lundie from Harvard University, and Lyle Donovan from the University of Washington.

Wyatt Mills, Trinity

“Wyatt is a superlative leader, athlete, and man. He has been the stroke seat of the Trinity Varsity 8+ for the past two years and has driven the crew to two consecutive IRA Division III National Championships. He is uncompromising in his drive to excel and has distinguished himself through his time at Trinity through his determination, work ethic, and ambition. It has been an honor to see him grow into a top-level oarsman." - Kevin MacDermott, Head Coach

Ben Lundie, Harvard

“Ben Lundie is one of the most accomplished Harvard lightweight oarsmen of all time and a true difference maker. He arrived as a first year when the team hadn't won a race in several years and made an immediate positive impact. His work ethic is unparalleled and he embodies the HVL values of integrity and accountability. As captain, he upheld the standards, motivated his teammates and pushed the squad to be their best on a daily basis. His impact cannot be overstated and his legacy will be celebrated for decades to come.” - Billy Boyce, Head Coach

Lyle Donovan, Washington

“Lyle Donovan is the definition of an oarsman who leads by example. He is a walk-on and former track runner, having arrived at Washington without ever touching an oar. He willed himself into IRCA Novice of the Year, captain of Washington Rowing, and a three-time IRA Champion. He was elected captain by the very teammates who watched him earn every inch of it. He never asked anyone to do something he hadn't already done himself — first to the shellhouse, last to leave, steady when the racing got hard. He made every crew he sat in faster and every rower around him better. A walk-on who became a national and world champion through nothing but grit, humility, and relentless work, Lyle Donovan is the truest definition of an oarsman and there is no one more deserving.” - Michael Callahan, Head Coach