Jim Tucci's name is synonymous with Skidmore College rowing. As the head coach for 35 seasons, he was the masterful architect of the men's and women's rowing programs.
"He dedicated his life to rowing and committed so much time and effort throughout his career at Skidmore," says Gail Cummings-Danson, assistant vice president of student affairs and director of athletics.
"We are forever in debt to him.
Tucci began coaching in 1980 and came to Saratoga Springs after a brief stint as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Division I Jacksonville University. As an undergraduate, Tucci took home a gold medal at the Dad Vail Regatta, the largest intercollegiate rowing event in the United States. He also competed in the Olympic Sports Festival. He was a U.S.
National Team candidate from 1981 to 1984. Drawing on his own experiences as a rower and his vast knowledge of the sport, he crafted a training regimen at Skidmore that emphasized technical proficiency, physical conditioning, and mental resilience.
Under Tucci's leadership, the Skidmore rowing program has flourished, achieving remarkable success both regionally and nationally. Year after year, his crews consistently competed for conference titles and qualified for prestigious national championships. The program's growth and success are a testament to Tucci's ability to cultivate talent, motivate his athletes, and foster a winning mentality. His unwavering commitment to excellence has made Skidmore College a force to be reckoned with in the rowing community.
