Rowing Numbers Tradition

You’ll notice on our site and in our newsletters that all rowers and coxswains post ~1985 are signified with “rowing numbers” next to their name, well into the thousands by 2026. Coaches Jan Palchikoff and Doug Perez started this tradition when they became coaches for the team, and every member of the team since this tradition started has been given a number awarded on a grey sweatshirt, highlighting the connectedness we share as members of this program.

While this is a wonderful tradition, it fails to highlight or recognize the numerous rowers preceding its inception, all of whom are just as connected to our program as anyone, and many of whom are responsible for creating the program.

We will work to ensure that all alumni, friends, and family of UCSB rowing are valued members of our community, whether they have a number or not.

Group of people lined up outdoors near a building with a sign that reads 'UCSB Rowing.' The sun is setting or rising behind trees in the background. People are dressed in athletic clothing, some wearing sunglasses and hats.

Above: A “Number Sweater” worn at our 60th anniversary
Below: L to R, Nick Lilya, Founding Member Steve Gallant, and Grant Lilya at our 60th anniversary

Three men standing together indoors, smiling for a photo. The man in the middle is holding a gray sweatshirt with a printed group photo and signatures. The man on the left has dark hair and a mustache, wearing a cream and black sweater, and the man on the right has dark hair and a mustache, dressed in a suit with a teal tie and a badge. There are people sitting at tables in the background, and wooden walls with ceiling fans and lights.