WORCESTER, Mass. – After a 34-year career at Holy Cross, director of rowing and head women's rowing coach Patrick Diggins has announced his retirement from the College.

Diggins, who first joined the coaching staff as an assistant upon his graduation from Holy Cross in 1986, was promoted to head coach of the women's program in 1987 before adding the title of program director in 2002.

Throughout his years guiding the program, the Crusaders have earned multiple recognitions, medaling six times at the New England Championships and taking home six top-3 finishes at the Patriot League Championships while also earning six conference titles. In 1993, the varsity eight rowed to victory at the prestigious Head of the Charles Regatta, while the program has also won four Worcester City Championships and the 2002 ECAC National Invitational Championship. During his tenure, Diggins has also seen many of his student-athletes named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll.

Diggins was voted the 1999 and 2002 New England Women's Coach of the Year and was awarded the irow.com coaching award in 2002. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Quinsigamond Rowing Association, which hosts numerous championship races in the region, including the Big East Championship, the Patriot League Championship, the New England Championship, the Eastern Sprints, the ECAC National Invitational Championship and the New England Interscholastic Regatta.

"I thank Patrick for his years of dedication and service to the College," said Director of Athletics Marcus Blossom. "I wish him luck as he steps into this new chapter."

The women's rowing season, which is set to begin April 4, will continue under the direction of interim head coach Jim Barr. A national search for the next head women's rowing coach will commence at the conclusion of the 2020 season.