Terriers Dedicate Shell to Ray Buell Jr.
April 14, 2001 | Men's Rowing
The Terrier men’s crew dedicated its newest 8 Italia shell to Raymond Judson Buell Jr., the latest member of the Class of 1954 to have his name permanently affixed to a shell in the DeWolfe Boat House.
The ceremony was held on Saturday (April 14th), following the Terriers’ row against Northeastern University.
“Ray Buell embodies all that we look for in crew,” said Terrier head coach Rodney Pratt. “He brings loyalty, friendship, interest, and generosity to Boston University crew.”
With Buell looking on from Pratt’s left, and obviously feeling very proud, Pratt continued
“He is dyed in the wool Boston University.”
Buell is a retired school teacher who lives in Maine. He drives to Boston not just for every home rowing regatta but for every home Terrier hockey game as well as other B.U. sports events.
“Coming to B.U. and rowing here were the turning points in my life,” said Buell, prior to christening the boat.
“Even after graduating in 1954, I continued to row competitively until 1962,” he went on.
Included in his international competition was an appearance at the Henley Rowing Regatta. He also rowed for the internationally acclaimed Vesper Boat Club in Philadelphia.
Buell then went overseas to continue his teaching career. His travels took him throughout the world. Then, two years ago, he returned to the United States after a 12-year tour as a teacher in Germany.
Shortly thereafter, he retired from teaching after a 39-year career.
The retirement coincided with a car ride he took back to his alma mater where he met Pratt and a strong friendship began to develop.
The culmination came on Saturday (April 14th) when Buell joined three of his teammates and former coach to have a boat named after him. The others are rowers Ron Cardwell, Sonny Fox, and John McKinley along with head coach Jim Nesworthy.
“I only wish my parents could be here today to see this,” said Buell.
“I want to thank Rodney for making this the best day of my life,” he said with a choked voice.
Buell then cleared his throat and encouraged the entire men’s varsity team that was on hand for the dedication.
“Gentlemen, these are the best days of your lives,” he said. “Take pride and do the best you can everyday. You have great coaches here, and this is a great university.
“Go B.U.,” he concluded.
