The College of the Holy Cross is proud to announce the establishment of two new named and endowed head coaching positions: The Holowesko Family Head Coach of Men's Rowing and the Thomas J. Sullivan '70 Head Coach of Women's Rowing.

These two endowed funds provide foundational support that helps elevate the Holy Cross rowing programs and enhance strategic priorities — promoting the programs' long-term competitive success and well-being. The men's coaching position will be named in recognition of the generosity of Holowesko, a former men's rowing captain, while the women's coaching position celebrates the generosity of the Holy Cross rowing alumni community and the impact of Sullivan, a former Holy Cross rower and long-time leader of the program who served as head coach of both the women's and men's rowing teams, and a Holy Cross Varsity Club Hall of Famer.

The newly named and endowed men's and women's rowing head coaches are the second and third head coaching positions to be endowed within the Holy Cross athletic department, joining the Richard L. Ahern '51 Director of Cross Country and Track and Field. 

"Rowing at Holy Cross has a special place in my life and heart, and it is no surprise how close we all feel to each other despite the years of being apart," Holowesko said. "Rowing is the ultimate team sport, and as such it taught us all the importance of individual effort within a team, a lesson that can be applied throughout life. Tom Sullivan, or 'Sully,' was a unique coach who was able to instill in us not only the importance, but the joy of hard work. We fought for the result, but we always enjoyed the process of getting there, no matter how challenging the training."

"I am honored and humbled by the naming of the coaching position," Sullivan said. "But even more so, I am excited for all of the student-athletes in the past, whose hard work is really being honored. I am grateful for the opportunities that this creates for the present and future rowers at Holy Cross. All I can say is: Thank you!"

These endowments come at a time of great momentum for both the Holy Cross men's and women's rowing programs. During 2025-26, the men's team won the Collegiate 8+ at the Head of the Charles Regatta for the first time in program history, and stayed in the rankings for the entire season, reaching as high as No. 19. The program finished 19th as a team at the IRA National Championship. The women's team earned its first medal at the Patriot League Championship for the team since 2017, and the best finish in the 2v8+ since 2013. This past fall, the women also finished in the top 11 in the 4+ and top 20 in the 8+ at the Head of the Charles. 

"We are grateful for the incredible generosity and loyalty of a true Crusader rowing legend, Mark Holowesko," said Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Kit Hughes. "Mark has elevated the profile and prestige of rowing at the College, and ensured a sustainable future of excellence via his long-term support of both programs. Alongside Mark, Tom Sullivan embodies the very heart of Holy Cross Rowing, having devoted a lifetime of passion as a student-athlete, championship coach and trusted mentor.

"I am immensely proud that Jim Barr and Andrea Landry will serve as our inaugural named head coaches. They are exceptional leaders who carry the Holowesko and Sullivan names with immense distinction, inspiring our student-athletes to raise the bar culturally and competitively every single day."

Holowesko is the founding partner and chief executive officer of Holowesko Partners Ltd. He is a deeply committed philanthropist and global leader in both community and business issues, and has been closely involved in the intricate relationships between financial markets and world leaders. Holowesko is a former Olympian who represented The Bahamas in numerous international sailing events during the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, was the world champion in the 5.5 meter sailing class, and is a former Ironman triathlete.

Sullivan, who co-captained the men's Varsity 8 as a member of the Class of 1970, was an integral part of the Crusader rowing program across five decades, serving as the Crusaders' head coach for 33 years (1975-2008). Under Sullivan's leadership, Holy Cross won the Patriot Challenge Regatta in six of his last eight years. The Crusaders also participated in the Eastern Sprints in each of his last four seasons, while receiving four consecutive invitations to the Intercollegiate Rowing Association Championship Regatta. In 2005, Sullivan's team had one of its most successful seasons, as the Crusaders were ranked 15th in the nation among Division I schools. Holy Cross also had an outstanding year in 2002, as the Crusaders won the men's team trophy and the varsity eight race at the New England Rowing Championship.

ABOUT HOLY CROSS
The College of the Holy Cross, in Worcester, Mass., is among the nation's leading liberal arts institutions. A highly selective, four-year, exclusively undergraduate college of 3,200 students, Holy Cross is renowned for offering a rigorous, personalized education in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition. Since its founding in 1843, Holy Cross has made a positive impact in society by graduating students who distinguish themselves as thoughtful leaders in business, professional and civic life.