Princeton University Athletics
Spencer Washburn Joins Greg Hughes On Heavyweight Coaching Staff
September 08, 2009 | Heavyweight Rowing
Spencer Washburn, who helped Greg Hughes develop one of the finest lightweight rowing teams in Princeton history, will try to recreate that magic with the heavyweight program. After two years as Hughes' assistant with the lightweights, Washburn will serve as the assistant coach for the heavyweights this coming season.
"I am excited to have Spencer working with our program," Hughes said. "He's a great coach, a strong leader and a fierce competitor."
Washburn, a three-time medalist as a Princeton heavyweight rower, returned to campus to serve as the assistant coach for the men's lightweight program when Scott Alwin became the head coach at Columbia. He served as the novice coach for the last two seasons, which allowed him to work with several members of the eventual 2009 EARC, IRA and Henley championship crew. Washburn, who had coached at the Hun School for two years prior to his return to Princeton, led the novice eight to the EARC grand final again last season.
Washburn spent two years in the Princeton varsity 8+, including a 2004 season that saw the Tigers claim a silver medal at Eastern Sprints. He was named varsity captain in 2005 and was the co-recipient of the W. Lyman Biddle Award (Leadership and Sportsmanship). He won another silver medal at Eastern Sprints that season, his final as a Princeton rower. His first came in 2003, when he helped lead the freshmen 8+ to a bronze at the IRA national championships.
Following his 2005 graduation, Washburn spent two years at the Hun School of Princeton as the Associate Director of Residential Life, a history teacher and coach of the varsity girls' crew. In two years, the varsity 4+ and lightweight 4+ made the SRAA (Scholastic Rowing Association of America) national championships twice. Both placing fifth during the 2007 championships.