Norm Graf: 1926-2018

Last Updated: 24.Sep.2018

At the age of 92, Norman Graf passed away yesterday, September 23, 2018. Norm coached at the Center for almost 20 years, serving as Sculling Program Director for 11 years.

Norm began rowing in 1940. He rowed with the undefeated Culver Military Academy 8+ in 1943. His rowing career took a hiatus during World War II, but in '48 he returned to the sport as stroke and captain of the undefeated Rutgers University freshmen team. In the late '50s Norm began coaching at Yale. In '67 he became the Head Rowing Coach and Intramural Athletic Director at Trinity College in Connecticut, a position he held for 15 years. Norm was the varsity women's coach at Trinity from '86-'92, and the Men's Associate Head Coach at Wesleyan University from '96-'02, a position he returned to in 2006. While at Trinity, he took seven crews to the Henley Royal Regatta; winning the Ladies' Plate in 1976 and lowering the course record six seconds.

We will remember Norm for his leadership, teaching gifts, rigor and attention to detail - coupled with a keen sense of humor and deep appreciation of the good things in life. RIP Norm.

Trinity Rowing remembrance and an 80th birthday video, including lots of footage from the Trinity College crews of the 70s.