Jon A. Bernstein
Crew
Graduation Year
1990
Induction Year
2006
Hall of Fame
Hall of Fame
Harvard Athletic Achievements
Jon was a member of the first varsity heavywieght crew from 1988-90. The crews from 1987 to 1989 certainly rank among the best Harvard has ever seen and they proved that by enjoying considerable success in many major competitions at home and overseas. They were the dominant crews of those years despite some very strong competition form both traditional intercollegiate rivals and outstanding international crews. Also notable are their convincing victories over Yale in the annual Harvard-Yale four mile race.
The 1987 crew enjoyed a particularly long and successful season. The crew started with a resounding victory over west coast power Washington, then continued through a dramatic victory over a powerful Brown crew in the National Championships in Cincinnati. The season finished with outstanding races at the Victoria Boatrace in Victoria, BC, the Henley Regatta in England, and the World University Games in Zagreb, Yugoslavia.
The 1988 crew was equally successful and ended their season with victories at Worcester in the EARC Sprint Championships, over Yale in New London and in the National Championships at Cincinnati.
In 1989, the crew repeated as both EARC Sprint and National Champions and went on to row an historic race in the finals of the Ladies Plate competition at the Henley Royal Regatta.
In addition to their collective success in both intercollegiate and international competition, several members of the crews went on to significant international success as members of various U.S. Olympic and World Championship crews. They continue to maintain strong connections to Harvard and U.S. national rowing programs.
Hall of Fame
Remembering Harvard Athletics
Walking into the Newell Boathouse, you enter a world where success is measured in national championships and undefeated crews. The expectations and legacies of the famous oarsmen and crews that have preceded you, weigh heavily on your psyche. You walk into that historic setting with the dream, the desire and the belief that you can continue on and contribute to the Harvard legacy of excellence. Today’s Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony for the ’87, ’88 and ’89 Heavyweight Varsity crews is a recognition that the approximately 70 athletes who walked through the doors of Newell Boathouse over those years, fulfilled and lived up to the Harvard legacy. The 17 of us here today, who earned the opportunity to row on the Varsity over those three National Championship seasons, were the beneficiaries of our teammates competitive desire, work ethic and determination. Every day, at each practice, for three years, we challenged each other to be the best, and for three years running, we were.
