Today, September 28, 2019, this new 8-oared shell is dedicated to the memory of LCpl Wesley G Davids, Dublin Crew Alumni, and Class of 2003. Lance Corporal Davids was a member of the Marine Reserve’s 3rd Battalion, 25th Regiment, 4th Division in Columbus. He died on May 11, 2005, from an explosion while conducting combat operations in Karabilah, Iraq.

Wes Davids manned the seven-seat in the Dublin Crew men’s varsity eight his senior year. His name and his memory will, henceforth, be permanently enshrined in the fleet of boats of the Central Ohio Rowing program, which was the former Dublin Crew.

“Wesley stood for the very best of what our young athletes can take from the sport.” former Dublin Crew president Craig Marshall stated in 2014. “We want to keep that esprit de corps in the forefront for everyone involved in rowing and the community at large.”

The current Central Ohio Rowing program board members, director of rowing, coaches, and athletes agree wholeheartedly with that sentiment.

These are the words of Central Ohio Rowing Director Chris Swartz, spoken at the boat’s dedication on Saturday, September 28. 

Dublin Crew had named a boat after Cpl. Davids. After that boat’s racing days had come to a close, Dublin Crew renamed the Governor’s Cup Regatta after Wes Davids. But after that regatta ended, there was no active memorial of Wes Davids with Dublin Crew.

Dublin Crew is now Central Ohio Rowing. Thanks to many people, including Chris Swartz, Director Rowing for Central Ohio Rowing, Aaron Ansari, Central Ohio Rowing Board President, and Tama Carleton, one of Wes’s former teammates, Central Ohio Rowing is permanently honoring Lance Corporal Wesley Davids, his efforts for Dublin Crew, his service for his country, and his sacrifice. Going forward, there will always be a boat in the fleet named after Wes Davids. 

Watch this video for more on the boat’s dedication.