DELAND, Fla. — The Stetson University men's rowing team is set to compete this weekend at the 2026 Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta, one of the premier collegiate rowing events in North America, held Friday and Saturday on the Cooper River in Pennsauken, New Jersey.
The 87th edition of the historic regatta will feature 72 collegiate programs from across the country competing in one of the sport's largest and most prestigious events. The two-day competition annually showcases the depth and diversity of collegiate rowing while serving as a key postseason event with automatic qualifying implications for the IRA Championship.
Hosted on the Cooper River, the Dad Vail Regatta has long stood as one of the signature events in collegiate rowing and continues to attract programs from every level of the sport, including IRA-affiliated schools and emerging crews from around the nation.
Stetson enters the weekend coming off a strong showing at the Southern Intercollegiate Rowing Association (SIRA) Championship in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where the Hatters captured the Men's Varsity 8 B Final title and earned a runner-up finish in the Men's 2nd Varsity 8 B Final.
The Hatters have continued to build momentum throughout the spring season under head coach Jamie Francis and assistant coach Anthony Chacon, highlighted by the program's increasing depth and speed across multiple boats. Earlier this season, Stetson defeated Jacksonville in the Varsity 8 for the first time this spring and showed competitive pace against several nationally recognized programs.
Additional lineup information and race schedules for the Hatters will be announced ahead of competition.
Fans can stay up-to-date with results, schedules and behind-the-scenes coverage throughout the weekend by following Stetson Rowing on social media.
About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.
