BU Hall of Famer Ted Nash ('55), one of the greatest oarsmen ever associated with Boston University, passed away on July 3 at the age of 88.

A member of the Boston University rowing team throughout his college years, Nash was an athlete or coach with 11 Olympic teams dating back to 1960, when he won Olympic gold in the four and later won bronze in the four in 1964. 

Nash received his B.A. in geology and education at BU in 1955 and went on to earn a B.A. in anthropology from the University of Washington, a masters in Russian and Spanish from the University of Puget Sound as well a masters in computers and language from the University of Penn. 

After completing his degrees, Nash served as an officer in the U.S. Army and served six years of active duty. 

Nash began coaching at Penn after competing in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, first as freshman coach then succeeding Joe Burk as Penn's varsity coach in 1969. At Penn, Nash guided the freshmen crew team to the Intercollegiate Rowing Association freshman title four years in a row and then, as varsity coach, led Penn to the IRA National Championship in the spring of 1972.

He was inducted into the Boston University Hall of Fame in 1972.  

Nash also coached current Boston University head coach Thomas Bohrer at Penn Athletic Club from 1987-1995. During that time, Nash coached Bohrer to two Olympic silver medals and three medals at the World Championships. Nash continued to mentor Bohrer throughout his coaching career at BU.

BU head coach Thomas Bohrer:

"I will never forget my first meeting with Ted down in Florida. He said if I was serious about rowing I needed to move to Philly. I asked where was I going to live - he said don't worry about it we will find you a place to live. I then asked what I would do for work and Ted said don't worry about it, we will find you a job. I called my mother and said I was moving to Philly to continue rowing - she asked where are you going to live and do for work and I said Ted told me not to worry about it. My mother then asked who is this 'Ted?' My journey with Ted just began." 

"I am very sad and mourn the loss of Ted. To me Ted was not only a coach and mentor, but also like a father to me. Ted guided me to be the best in all phases of my life. There was no secret sauce to this - work hard, appreciate what you have, bring others up around you and love what you do. I am sure the hundreds of other athletes that he coached would say the same."

"He would help anyone who asked for it. He has a long list of athletes that made in to the Olympics or National Team, but the list is longer of those that he helped get to a National Team trial, or win a medal at nationals, or make the final at the Navy Day Regatta. Those athletes are probably the most appreciative. When he gave you his time - he gave you his time. Ted was fully immersed, authentic, and he would make anyone feel like he cared- and he did. He loved the underdog and getting the most out of each person." 

"I have a lifetime of memories and stories from the time spent with Ted. I will never forget him and I'm grateful for everything he taught me."



Nash (center) in 1955


Nash's 1960 Olympic Gold Medal


Coaching Team USA