History
- The University of Tampa began its intercollegiate Crew (rowing team) in 1941
- UT planned to discontinue the team in 1984
- The Stewards Foundation was formed to foster rowing in the Tampa Bay area and save the sport of rowing
- Founding Stewards include community visionaries such as
- the late Fred Leary
- Finn Casperson
- Van McNeel
- Fred Bullard
- William Krusen Sr. (current Chair)
- The Stewards Foundation was granted tax-exempt status (501(c)3) in 1991
- First Stewards Project: The McNeel Boathouse at the University of Tampa
- 12,000 sq ft. facility with boat/equipment storage, dormitories, bathrooms, access to UT cafeteria
Revenue from visiting teams sustained operating costs and the UT Crew
Stewards Foundation raised construction funds
- 12,000 sq ft. facility with boat/equipment storage, dormitories, bathrooms, access to UT cafeteria
- As of Fall, 2003, The University of Tampa is no longer able to accommodate visiting teams and local high schools in its boathouse
- Host to over 20 visiting collegiate crew teams per year
- Host to over 300 area high school student rowers per year
- The current crisis: There is limited river access for local recreational users and youth organizations
- Solution: Tampa Water Sports Center
- Founding Stewards include community visionaries such as
