Aug. 18, 2003
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Santa Clara University head men's crew coach Jay Farwell has resigned his position to concentrate his time and effort on his private business endeavors, announced SCU Director of Athletics and Recreation Cheryl L. Levick.
Farwell, who served as the head coach of the Bronco program for the last five years, was also a Santa Clara rower as an undergraduate. The Farwell family has been heavily involved in Bronco Athletics throughout Jay's lifetime.
"For almost four decades the Farwell family has made a significant impact on this institution and, in particular, the crew program," said Levick. "Jay's contribution to Santa Clara goes well beyond that of the average head coach. The student-athletes, coaches and staff all appreciate his loyalty and dedication and will certainly miss his day-to-day involvement. Jay and his family will always be a part of Santa Clara and I look forward to his continued involvement with Bronco athletics."
Farwell's father, Jim, began the Santa Clara crew program back in 1965 and then went on to coach the team for 20 years. In what turned out to be his final season, the younger Farwell guided to the 2002-03 Broncos to one of their more successful seasons in recent memory. In their final event of the season the varsity eight and the second varsity eight each won the Petite Finals of the Pac-10 Rowing Championships at Lake Natoma.
"This has been the most difficult decision of my life and one of great thought and deliberation," said Farwell in a letter to his team members. "I hope to still maintain involvement with the program but unfortunately it will not be on a day to day basis."
Farwell began his own ties with Santa Clara in 1992 when he began his first of two years of rowing for the Broncos. He would then become the varsity captain for the 1993 season. After graduating from Santa Clara with a Bachelor's degree in History, Farwell became the Broncos' men's novice coach in 1996. Following a one-year stint as the novice coach he became the assistant varsity coach in 1997 and then was promoted to varsity head coach in 1998. Farwell continued his education at Santa Clara, graduating from the Santa Clara Law School in 1999.
