Navy Rowing holds a prestigious place in Navy Athletics history as one of the most storied programs at the United States Naval Academy. During its 152-year history, Navy Rowing has represented the Naval Academy at the most respected races in the world, including the Henley Royal Regatta, the King's Cup, the IRA National Championships, and the Olympics.

On November 20, the Navy Rowing program received a leadership gift commitment from longtime loyal supporters, Tom '67 and Candy Knudson, that will impact all three programs in perpetuity. Navy Rowing celebrated this commitment with an intimate gathering of midshipmen student-athletes and coaches at Hubbard Hall that included remarks from U.S. Naval Academy Superintendent VADM Sean Buck '83, Athletic Director Chet Gladchuk, and USNA Alumni Association & Foundation President and CEO Byron Marchant '78.

In recognition of the Knudson's historic gift, the Director of Rowing position has been named The Tom and Candy Knudson Director of Navy Rowing Position. This is the first named head coaching position for Navy Athletics.

"No program pulls the heartstrings more so, takes you back in time, or reflects more of what this institution is about than Navy Rowing. When I look back on what their support has meant to this program and what this commitment will mean for the program for years to come, we are so grateful for the loyalty of Tom and Candy. To become national champions, to become the best, this requires a margin of excellence that is so critically important to our programs. We succeed in these goals because of people like Tom and Candy. They themselves, are the margin of excellence that elevate our teams to be the best," said Athletic Director Chet Gladchuk. 

A Texas native, Tom Knudson, graduated from the U.S.  Naval Academy in 1967 with a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering. Following graduation, he continued his education at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, receiving a master's degree before serving as a naval aviator in Vietnam. Since being discharged as a Lieutenant Commander in 1974, Tom has led a successful and diverse career in consulting, engineering, business development, and management.

While a midshipman, Tom captained the rowing team and competed as a member of the 1965 National Champion Varsity Eight. Tom and Candy have remained engaged with the Naval Academy through their involvement with Navy Rowing, Navy Athletics, and with the Naval Academy Foundation. Tom serves as a Trustee with the Athletic & Scholarship Program and is also a member of the USNA Foundation Board. The Knudson's also made a Physical Mission Leadership commitment to Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium that provided special recognition in the Flag Bridge during the recently completed Called to Serve, Daring to Lead: The Naval Academy Campaign. The campaign provided increased support to the Physical Mission and raised $111 million toward all 33 varsity programs and facilities.

"What Tom and Candy have done for Navy Rowing is incredible. It's not just the support they've given us financially, it's what they've given to us in the form of his passion for this program. What they've done for us today, is exceptional. It helps the coaching staff and midshipmen know and feel that this is the best program in the country. It ensures that this place is now and always, second to none," said Rob Friedrich, The Tom and Candy Knudson Director of Navy Rowing.
 
During the celebration, Tom reflected on his time as a rower at the Academy and the passion he and Candy share for Navy Athletics. "The things I learned in life, for the most part, I learned here at Navy. I learned about resilience, toughness, never giving up, and teamwork. In all the missions I flew in Vietnam—crew prepared me. In all the things I did in my civilian career—crew prepared me. For Candy and myself, it's not a question of us supporting crew, it's about giving back to something that nurtured and supported me and has continued to do so in the 60 years since Coach Paul Quinn directed me toward the boathouse to be part of the program," said Knudson.