As the sun rose over Hempstead Harbor on a Saturday in the spring, a phalanx of former Flyers made its way along the shoreline at Bar Beach. For many, the sight was timeless – stirring in them a nostalgic feeling of brotherhood shared by so many alumni of Chaminade’s crew program. 

This year’s alumni row celebrated the past, present, and future of the Chaminade crew program. Rowers on this year’s varsity boats team woke up before sunrise and made their way to the beach for practice while several alumni gathered along the shore to watch them train, reviving memories of their own early mornings, grueling practice sessions, and friendships forged while cutting through these waters. 

Shortly after watching the team practice, the alumni returned to the water themselves. Splitting into boats, they competed alongside current Flyers, renewing friendships and sharing stories from their days off the shores of that same harbor.

After returning to the dock, these alumni and their families gathered at Jankowski Pavilion for breakfast, where old teammates picked up conversations as if no time had passed. 

For Anthony Amodeo ’98, that sense of connection is what made the event special. “The friendships you build here don’t end when you graduate,” Amodeo said. “A lot of us are still close friends today and continue helping each other in our personal and professional lives. When I graduated, alumni helped me. Now I get the opportunity to help the younger alumni. That’s what makes this network so special.” 

“Their enduring passion and commitment to Chaminade’s mission is what keeps us going,” said Chaminade’s president, Bro. Thomas Cleary, S.M. ’81, referring to the school’s dedicated alumni who continue to support both the school and crew program long after graduation. 

That commitment was on full display during the biggest announcements of the day, which came from Chief Operating Officer Brian Crimmins ’95. “We want to help Chaminade crew continue to compete on a national level while ensuring the long-term success of the program,” Crimmins said. “Our goal is to raise $500,000, and thanks to the incredible support of our alumni and community, we’ve already surpassed $200,000. The fund will be named in honor of John Callinan.”

This announcement was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience, many of whom have remained actively involved in supporting the program. 

The most emotional moment of the day followed shortly thereafter, when Bro. Tom announced that Associate Head Coach John Callinan ’84 had been selected as the recipient of the Founders Award, one of the highest honors bestowed by the school. He will be honored at the Legacy of Leadership event on campus on Friday, October 30, 2026.

Chosen by the Marianist brothers, the award recognizes extraordinary dedication and service to the Chaminade community. Bro. Thomas described Callinan as “one of the most selfless people he has encountered,” praising his commitment to generations of Chaminade students.

Callinan expressed both surprise and gratitude upon receiving the honor:

“I was in shock when Bro. Tom made the announcement, as there are far more deserving individuals than I am to receive the Founders Award,” Callinan said. “Being informed in the presence of more than 100 crew alumni, who thoroughly enjoyed hopping back into a boat for a quick row on the choppy waters of Hempstead Harbor, made the announcement even more special. I have been a part of the Chaminade Family for almost half a century, dating back to my days as a freshman in 1980, and I can’t wait to see what the next 50 years will bring.”

The recognition resonated deeply with alumni in attendance.

“The program simply wouldn’t exist in the form it does today without Coach Callinan,” said Michael Fee ’07. “He’s spent decades building not only successful crew teams but also confidence in his athletes. He teaches you to believe in yourself and to keep pushing when things get difficult.”

John DiMino ’09 echoed those sentiments. “Coach Callinan is the heartbeat of this program,” DiMino said. “He’s tough on his athletes because he genuinely cares about them. Everything he does comes from a desire to help young men become better teammates, leaders, and people.” 

As the day ended and alumni hopped on the bus back to Chaminade, the themes of the day were unmistakable. The event celebrated much more than rowing. It also highlighted a powerful alumni network, honored a coach whose influence spans decades, and reinforced a commitment to the future of the crew program. 

If the event demonstrated anything, it was that Chaminade crew’s legacy is not measured by races won or medals earned, but by the brotherhood that endures long after the boats return to shore.

You can contribute to the John Callinan Crew Fund by clicking here. 

By AJ Oricoli ’28