Cornell University Athletics

Prior to his retirement in 1970, Sanford was considered the dean of American rowing coaches. He was long recognized as a master technician whose crews, displaying classic form and stamina, were most notably accomplished from 1955 through '65. Sanford's all-senior boating in 1957 swept to a perfect season that included solid triumphs over a Russian club and Yale for the Grand Challenge Cup in the Henley Royal Regatta. His '63 product was acknowledged national champion after an undefeated campaign against U.S. competition; the only setbacks were by the world champion Ratzeburg Club of West Germany, after the Big Red had upset the visitors in an Eastern spring trial, and by London University in the Grand Challenge final. Starting in 1955, Sanford's varsities won four straight Intercollegiate Rowing Association titles at three miles. In '62, the Big Red beat undefeated Washington to win the IRA regatta. In addition to victories in '57 and '63, Eastern sprint titles were secured in '56 and '60. In 1952, Sanford coached the Olympic fours and pairs at Helsinki.