The timing of Curran's arrival couldn't have been better.
After winning the Dad Vail Regatta 21 out of 25 years, including 15 straight, the Owls saw their dominance end with losses the last two seasons. But during those two years, White had been building for this weekend's 69th Dad Vail on the Schuylkill. And the surprise addition of Curran may turn out to be the missing piece in Temple's bid to reclaim the gold medal in Saturday's glamour event.
"We could lose every race, but if we win at Dad Vail, the season is a smashing success," said White, emphasizing the importance the nation's largest collegiate regatta means to his crew. "But if you win every race and lose at Dad Vail, then the season is a disappointment. It's that big. It's what we shoot for all year long."
Curran, who rowed at tradition-rich Holy Spirit High School and is from Sea Isle City, N.J., is well aware of Temple's desire to return to the top in the varsity eight.
"We'd hate to be the crew that loses three in a row," he said.
Curran is also well aware of his family's connections to Temple, which is why he joined as a walk-on. Two of his uncles - Chris McCann and Tom McCann - also rowed for White. To him, rowing for Temple was a no-brainer, as long as he was good enough.
"I was really looking forward to rowing for Gav, and so far things are going great for us," Curran said.
Meantime, White is convinced that, along with the powerful stroke his main boat is getting from Curran, the team is collecting some good karma. White's rowing coach and predecessor at Temple was the legendary Tom "Bear" Curran, no relation to Patrick.
"With the last name of Curran, I feel this is definitely destiny that I have this kid stroking the boat," White said. "He's a pretty cool customer for a freshman. He's shown a lot of poise this year, so I've got a veteran crew with a freshman up front."
