POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. -  Vassar College Director of Athletics & Physical Education Michelle Walsh has announced the hiring of Peter Wells as the Brewers' Men's and Women's Head Rowing Coach. Wells, who started at Vassar in November 2018, coached during the latter half of the 2018-19 campaign and brings more than 35 years of collegiate coaching experience.
 
"I was thrilled to have Peter join the program mid-year as the interim head coach and was impressed with the immediate positive impact he had on the rowing program," said Walsh.  "I'm excited to have him stay on with us as the head coach and look forward to his continued efforts to provide an outstanding experience for the student-athletes in the men's and women's rowing programs at Vassar."
 
After joining the Brewers in November, Wells planned and coordinated Vassar's spring race schedule that included a March training trip to Gainesville, GA. He also managed all of Vassar's rowing facilities, while overseeing the entire crew shell and oar inventory.
 
The Brewers competed in five spring regattas and steadily improved in each event. The men's collegiate eight took fourth at the 2019 New York State Championships, while the 2nd and 1st Varsity women placed fourth and seventh, respectively. Vassar finished the year strong, with the women winning the Division III Finals at the Dad Vail Regatta on May 11.  
 
A former collegiate rower at Williams, Wells took over as the head men's coach at his alma mater in 1982 and held that position until 2017.  During that time, he led the Ephs to eight conference championships and eight New England titles.  Williams also won the Collegiate Eight at the prestigious Head of the Charles four times, setting a course record in 1997.  In addition, the Ephs captured 22 Little Three titles and four ECAC national invitational championships during Wells' 35-year tenure.
 
Upon stepping down as head coach, Wells remained at Williams as the boathouse manager until 2018. He also served as a physical education professor and helped organize the annual Williams Winter Nordic Carnival.
 
"I am very happy to return to Vassar and continue to work with such a dedicated group of men and women who comprise our rowing team," said Wells. "I refer to them as "fighters" given all they have to do together everyday prior to actually getting on the water to even row. One is inspired by their example."