Bob Crocco - Women's Rowing Coach - Michigan State University Athletics

Bob Crocco

Title:
Volunteer Assistant Coach

Bob is entering his sixth season as a volunteer assistant coach at MSU. Over that time he has worked with both the varsity and the novice squads. Most recently he coached the 2N8 to a fourth place finish at the Big 10 Championships in 2018.

Prior to MSU, Bob served for a year as a volunteer assistant coach at University of Iowa, also working with both the varsity and the novice squads.

Bob began his rowing career on the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia while in high school at St. Joseph’s Prep. From there he moved on to Georgetown University, in Washington, DC, where he competed on the Men’s Heavyweight team. While there, he had the privilege of competing for two fine coaches, Frank Benson and Tony Johnson. While under Johnson, a two time European Champion, an Olympic Silver medalist, and a member of the National Rowing Hall of Fame, Bob in the 7 seat and Georgetown enjoyed great success, winning the prestigious Dad Vail Regatta in the Heavyweight 1V8, then going on to finish 9th at the IRAs, emblematic of the Intercollegiate National Championship.

While at Georgetown, Bob also rowed in the summer of ‘69 for Potomac Boat Club, competing at Canadian Henley, and winning the Independence Day Regatta in Philadelphia in the Heavyweight Senior Eight.

Upon graduation, Bob taught and coached at St. Joe’s Prep, his alma mater, two years as an assistant to his former Georgetown teammate, Mike Vespoli, and two years as the head coach at the school. He then entered the business world, spending many years commuting in and out of New York City until his retirement.

Bob and his wife Margaret, Professor and Chairperson in the Department of Teacher Education, have three grown children and seven granddaughters.