The Wildcat Navy Capital Fund was established in 2021 as a concerted effort to plan for the ongoing equipment needs of Saint Ignatius Crew. Donations to the Fund go directly to purchasing boats, oars, launches, trailers, and ergs in order to provide rowers and coaches with the equipment needed to compete at the highest level both in the Midwest and nationally. Head Coach Connor Walters ’09 determines capital priorities in consultation with the coaching staff and Athletic Department; the Advancement Department serves as the steward of all gifts made to the Fund.
VESPOLI VHP 8+ - $45,000
As of 2020, the average age of the program’s eight-man shells was 16 years old. Our top competitors add a new eight every 2-3 years, and so an upgraded fleet is critical to remaining competitive. We’ve seen improved performances while renting a Vespoli VHP boat for the 2021 Midwest and National championships and aim to keep raising our results. A new shell benefits the entire program by raising top-end performance and giving all rowers a better boat to practice and race in. Naming rights available.
VESPOLI VHP 4+ - $25,000
A key piece of our program’s success has been racing in 4-man shells. In 2019, the newest addition to the gold fleet was generously donated by Joe Cleary as Anne was christened at the Head of the Cuyahoga Regatta. The crew that raced it at that regatta secured the fastest time among any 4-man crew on the day, including collegiate and masters teams. Another new 4-man racing shell would enable the team to consistently put out crews in identical boats, which is ideal for seat selection as well as competing at regattas all-year long. Naming rights available.
COACHING LAUNCH - $20,000
Keeping up with fast high school crews on the Cuyahoga River requires launches to stay up with the pace—without too much wake. Maintaining a fast and safe fleet of wakeless launches enables coaches to run more effective practices safely without washing out everyone else on the water. Includes trailer for winter storage and transport. Naming rights available
The DeGrandis Family has generously offered to match up to an additional $25,000, in response to the incredible support the fund has received so far. Thank you to the DeGrandis Family for their ongoing support, and to everyone who has made a gift to support the Wildcat Navy Capital Fund!
1169 days ago by Nora HudecTo jump-start the Fund, Ron ’64 and Brad DeGrandis ’91 have committed to matching all donations up to $50,000, which would enable the program to immediately move forward with all of today’s current priorities.
1237 days ago by Nora HudecDonors
View All Donors
| Affiliation | Donors | $ Raised |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | 3 | $50,250 |
| 1964 | 2 | $50,000 |
| 1994 | 6 | $13,750 |
| 1992 | 5 | $12,600 |
| 2028 | 1 | $10,000 |
| 2024 | 11 | $7,950 |
| 2023 | 8 | $4,250 |
| 2015 | 2 | $4,100 |
| 2025 | 7 | $3,350 |
| 2026 | 5 | $2,500 |
| 2003 | 3 | $1,600 |
| 1973 | 1 | $1,000 |
| 2018 | 2 | $750 |
| 1997 | 2 | $600 |
| 1987 | 1 | $500 |
| 1996 | 1 | $500 |
| 2021 | 2 | $500 |
| 2004 | 2 | $350 |
| 1998 | 2 | $350 |
| 2005 | 2 | $275 |
| 1988 | 1 | $250 |
| 1986 | 1 | $250 |
| 2008 | 1 | $250 |
| 2022 | 1 | $250 |
| 1990 | 1 | $250 |
| 2020 | 1 | $100 |
| 2001 | 1 | $100 |
| 2012 | 1 | $100 |
| 2000 | 1 | $100 |
| 2010 | 1 | $50 |
| 2009 | 1 | $50 |
| 1980 | 1 | $50 |
| 2017 | 1 | $20 |
| 2016 | 1 | $11 |
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Ron '64
Nora Hudec
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