Men’s Lightweight Rowing to Open 2026 Against Navy

PRINCETON, N.J. – The Princeton University men's lightweight rowing team will open the 2026 season in Annapolis, Maryland, against Navy on Mar. 21. The 1V race will be for the Murtaugh Cup.

Schedule
7:45 a.m. – 4V/5V
8:05 a.m. – 3V
8:25 a.m. – 2V
8:45 a.m. – 1V

Murtaugh Cup History
The Joseph Murtaugh Cup is presented to the winner of the varsity race between Princeton and Navy. The trophy is named for the former Princeton and U.S. lightweight rowing coach. The Tigers lead the all-time series, 13-3, and 4-1 over the last five years. Princeton is on a streak on. Streak of three consecutive Murtaugh Cup victories.

Last Time Against Navy
The Tigers hosted Navy at Lake Carnegie on Mar. 22, 2025. Princeton's 1V (5:37.5) earned the win over Navy (5:40.8), as did the 2V, who finished in 5:53.5, ahead of the Midshipmen's 5:46.3. Princeton's 3V (5:52.9) also prevailed over Navy (5:49.1) while the 4V (6:16.2) finished second to Navy's 4V (5:57.0) and ahead of the Midshipmen's 5V (6:16.7).

The Matt Smith Era Begins
The spring of 2026 will be the Tigers' first season under Head Coach Matt Smith. Named head coach in July, Smith coached the heavyweight boats for 11 seasons and helped guide Princeton to 27 medals at Sprints and 13 medals at the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) national championship regatta. Since 2021, 24 of Smith's rowers have gone on to earn All-America honors. In addition, David Burke was promoted to Associate Head Coach.

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