������ is proud to welcome back members of the Class of 1986 for a special Pathways conversation, “.” In this conversation, we reunite some of the legendary oarsmen and coaches behind one of the most extraordinary chapters in ������ Kent’s athletic history: the 1986 crew that competed in the , the oldest rowing competition in the world, held before the Royal Family on the Thames in London.  .

The conversation features Coach and Alumnus Sid Stockdale ‘73, alongside alumni Andy Goddard ’87, Duffy Camins ’89, Nicholas Butts ’87, Ransom Duncan ’86, Henry Brownell ’86, and Stephen Nahley ’86, as they share memories of their training, camaraderie, and the once-in-a-lifetime experience of representing ������ Kent on rowing’s most storied stage.

A Legacy of Grit and Greatness

������ Kent’s crew program in the 1980s was a model of discipline and determination. Early spring training was famously demanding, Hatch Pond’s bitter winds and icy waters forged some of the toughest rowers in New England. Coach Smith often said, “������ Kent crews are never beaten by being out of shape,” and his 1984-86 teams embodied that philosophy.

In 1984, with only six returning varsity members, competition for boat seats was fierce. Even the novice crews rose to the challenge under the leadership of Stephen Nahley, the third boat won its Petite Final at Quinsigamond, the only crew that day to triumph from the toughest lane on the course.

By 1985, ������ Kent’s program had become one of the strongest in the region. The first boat missed victory against rival Salisbury by just 1.2 seconds, while the second boat nearly toppled Choate’s first. At Quinsig, ������ Kent’s top crew finished second in New England just one second behind Belmont Hill.

The Road to Henley

In 1986, ������ Kent’s momentum continued. With close to twelve boats and even a solo sculler, the team dominated Pomfret, Gunnery, and Choate, and placed second overall at Quinsig, only five seconds behind a record-setting winner. The lower boats brought home the prize oar from Salisbury, and Coaches Smith and Stockdale recognized that ������ Kent’s strength that year could take them across the Atlantic.

For the first time in twenty years, ������ Kent would return to the Henley Royal Regatta. The group trained rigorously on Hatch Pond and then in Brugge, Belgium, before crossing the English Channel to Henley.

For the boys from ������ Kent, rowing at Henley wasn’t just a race it was a moment of history, a culmination of years of discipline and teamwork, and a proud representation of what makes ������ Kent athletics so enduring.

Looking Back, Rowing Forward

Nearly four decades later, these alumni return to the Hillside to reflect on what the journey taught them about leadership, perseverance, and brotherhood. Their Pathways talk reminds today’s students that excellence is built not only through talent, but through relentless preparation and the courage to chase big dreams across oceans.

A thank you to Marge Smith for her book, (see pages 318-319), which supplied additional background for this Pathways talk.

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Sid Stockdale ’73, distinguished alumnus, former faculty member, current board member, and son of the late , joined ������ for a conversation. This special event serves as a preview to Sid’s upcoming Veterans Day keynote, where he will share the remarkable story of his parents, Admiral James and , the namesakes of ������ Kent’s hockey arena, the Admiral James and Sybil Stockdale Arena.

Sid will return to campus on Veteran’s Day to speak live to students. His talk will reflect on the enduring lessons of leadership, sacrifice, and resilience that his family’s story represents, and the principles that are also central to ������ Kent’s Stockdale Leadership Academy.

In this virtual session, Sid offered a personal and moving account of his journey to ������ Kent and his life growing up as the son of one of America’s most respected military leaders. His recently published book serves as the basis for much of the conversation, offering candid reflections on family, identity, and what it means to live in the shadow, and light of greatness.

His father, Vice Admiral James Stockdale, the legendary naval aviator and Medal of Honor recipient, is one of the most decorated officers in U.S. Navy history. Stockdale is also the namesake of the Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership at the . Captured during the Vietnam War, Admiral Stockdale spent over seven years as a prisoner of war, during which he withstood extraordinary hardship and became a symbol of Stoic virtues of courage, moral clarity, and unwavering honor.

Beyond his military service, Admiral Stockdale was a noted scholar of philosophy and ethics, and even a vice-presidential candidate in 1992. His principled leadership and intellectual rigor continue to influence generations of leaders and thinkers.

Sid’s talk is more than a historical reflection, it’s a deeply personal story of family values, quiet strength, and the lifelong impact of growing up under the example of a true American hero. His session will include a brief presentation followed by an open Q&A, allowing students to engage directly with this powerful narrative.

This is a rare and meaningful opportunity to connect with the Stockdale legacy firsthand and to reflect on the deeper meaning of service, leadership, and what it truly means to live a life of purpose.

and read Sid’s book:

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