Lightweight crew reunion, April 2025. The ‘75-‘77 team tries to get together about every 3 years for the first at home race of the season, plus a reunion row. They’ve definitely become a bit more challenging….but we get out there and do it. From left to right: Tom Cook ‘76 (All American), me, Steve Nimitz ‘76, Phil Schlaepher (‘77 team captain), Alex Cobble ‘76 plus a mid who helped round out the boat.
Keith Weaver
Why Crew?
After graduation in ’76, I thoroughly enjoyed my naval aviation and corporate America careers. Many great opportunities, two commands, and even a posting with a global energy company in Perth, Australia.
However, long before graduation from Annapolis, I found my anchor: rowing. 3 years with the crew program at JEB Stuart High School in Northern VA, and 4 years with Navy’s 150 lb. team. Over those 7 years, there were some great wins, some tough losses, and many “life lessons” learned.
Now, as we come up on 50 years since graduation, I can honestly say that the folks I remember the most, the friendships that have endured, are those from my time with the Navy Lightweights in Hubbard Hall. To this day, the ’75-’77 team members have a reunion in Annapolis about every 3 years. We have a few dinners, a few too many beers, we tell a lot of stories (and lies), and we always attend a lightweight race …. and when possible, we get on the water.
Last, and I just needed to get this “out there”, with all the enjoyable times at Hubbard Hall, there were two things that I was never a fan of …. the erg and stadium steps. Over the past few weeks as I sit on the Concept 2, I ask myself “what are you doing?”.
Again, thanks to Dave Frost and the ’75 folks for letting me endure a few more minutes of pain on this unforgiving machine. Looking forward to this reunion.