July 15, 2008

WORCESTER, Mass. - Todd Pearson has been named the new head men's rowing coach at the College of the Holy Cross, it was announced by Richard M. Regan, Jr., director of athletics. Pearson replaces Tom Sullivan, who retired after 33 seasons as the head coach of the Crusaders.

"Todd Pearson understands the tradition of Holy Cross rowing, and I am confident he can use his experience as a Crusader student-athlete and assistant coach to continue the growth and success of the program," said Regan.

Last year, Pearson served as a volunteer assistant coach for Holy Cross. He helped the Crusaders to a first place finish at the Patriot Challenge Regatta, while the team also took part in the Eastern Sprints and the Intercollegiate Rowing Association Championship Regatta. Pearson previously spent two seasons as a volunteer assistant coach at Dartmouth College (2003-2005).

From 1998-2003, Pearson served as the men's freshman coach for Holy Cross. In 2002, his second novice eight boat won the gold medal at the New England Championship, while in 1999 the Crusaders took home the bronze medal in the second novice eight. Pearson also assisted in coaching the men's varsity squad from 1998-2003.

A four-year member of the Crusader rowing team from 1994-1998, Pearson was a part of the first-ever Holy Cross squad to row in a varsity-level event at the Eastern Sprints, placing 10th in the varsity lightweight eight in 1998. He also earned two bronze medals at the New England Championship, as a member of the second varsity eight in 1996 and the varsity lightweight eight in 1997.

Pearson earned his bachelor's degree in biology from Holy Cross in 1998, and went on to receive a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences from the University of Massachusetts Medical School in 2003. He resides in Worcester with his wife, Annie, and their daughter, Tessa.