ITHACA, N.Y. — The Cornell men's heavyweight, men's lightweight, and women's rowing programs will gather at the Cornell Rowing Center this Saturday morning to unofficially kick off their 2025-26 campaigns with the sesquicentennial running of the Schwartz Cup.
Crews will launch at 8 a.m., with racing beginning at 8:30 a.m. from the lower portion of the Cayuga Inlet. The 5,000-meter race will carry boats out onto Cayuga Lake toward the Ithaca Yacht Club before finishing near the Boatyard Grill. Racing will conclude with a series of three 500-meter sprints, with combined times from both pieces determining the fastest crew in each program — and the winners of this year's Schwartz Cups.
In true Schwartz Cup tradition, each boat will compete in coordinated outfits, with awards also presented for the best costumes.
The cup presentations is scheduled for approximately 10:10 a.m., followed by the dedication of the men's lightweight rowing bay at 10:45 a.m. in honor of Raymond Randolph '69.
Randolph, a member of the 1968 varsity lightweight crew that finished as a runner-up in the Henley Thames Challenge Cup at the Royal Henley Regatta, left a transformative, multi-million dollar bequest to Cornell men's lightweight rowing upon his passing in 2020.
"Raymond was always excited about rowing when he returned. It was obvious how important Cornell crew was to him," said
Todd Kennett '91, the Spirit of '57 Director of Cornell Rowing and head coach of Cornell men's heavyweight rowing. "His gift to the lightweight program is one of the biggest in our history, and it will help generations of Cornell Rowers compete. It is a gift that will affect many people in a very positive way forever."
"Raymond Randolph embodied everything Cornell Lightweight Rowing stands for," added
Tyler Nase, the Henry E. Bartels '48 Head Coach of Cornell Men's Lightweight Rowing. "As an athlete, he set the standard with his relentless work ethic and the way he lifted up everyone around him. As an alumnus, his generosity and commitment ensured the program he loved will thrive for generations. Raymond's impact will be felt not just in victories and boats moved faster, but in the character of the young athletes who follow his example. He will always be an inspiration and a model for what it means to be a Cornell oarsman."
The Schwartz Cup also serves as a valuable tune-up for all three Big Red programs ahead of the Head of the Charles in Boston — the first official event of Cornell rowing's fall schedule. All Cornell races will take place Sunday, Oct. 19, on the Charles River.
Following the awards ceremony and Randolph Bay dedication, the Cornell Rowing Association will hold its annual meeting.
