The Boys In The Boat: Post-College Life And Struggles

The University of Washington rowing team's journey to the 1936 Olympics and their gold medal win is depicted in the film and book, The Boys in the Boat. The story of the team's quest for gold is inspiring, but what happened to the boys after their triumph and their time in college is also an interesting tale. The boys went on to live pretty normal lives, with most surviving World War II as they were older than the typical draftees. Joe Rantz, the main character in the story, married his college girlfriend, Joyce, and worked for Boeing for 35 years. The couple had five children, and Rantz lived a long and fulfilling life until his death in 2007. The other rowers also had successful careers, with some working for Boeing, while others became doctors, lawyers, and entrepreneurs. The boys remained close over the years, reuniting to row every decade or so, and their story continues to inspire generations.

Joe Rantz worked for Boeing for 35 years

Joe Rantz's life after college was marked by his dedication to providing a stable and positive life for his family, a stark contrast to his own turbulent childhood. After graduating from the University of Washington with a chemical engineering degree, Rantz embarked on a 35-year career with the Boeing Corporation. This decision to pursue a stable job was driven by his desire to give his five children the secure upbringing he never had.

Rantz's journey to Boeing began with his triumph in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, where he and his University of Washington teammates won gold in the men's eight rowing event. This victory, against all odds, became a symbol of the American Dream, showcasing the power of hard work and determination. Rantz's own life embodied this spirit, having endured a challenging childhood marked by his mother's early death and abandonment by his father and stepmother.

Following his Olympic success, Rantz continued to excel in rowing, winning the United States National Intercollegiate Rowing Association title in 1937 with the University of Washington senior varsity eights. However, his focus soon shifted to building a career that would enable him to support his growing family. Rantz's chemical engineering degree proved instrumental in securing his long-term employment with Boeing, where he would work until his retirement.

During his 35-year tenure at Boeing, Rantz contributed to significant advancements, including the invention of the cleanroom. This stable career path allowed him to provide for his family, ensuring they had the positive and stable life he had always wanted for them. Rantz's commitment to his family and his perseverance in the face of adversity exemplify the enduring values of determination and unity embodied by "the boys in the boat."

Joe Rantz's life and achievements, both in rowing and his subsequent career, continue to inspire and leave a lasting legacy. His story, as depicted in "The Boys in the Boat," serves as a testament to the power of resilience and the pursuit of a better future for oneself and one's family.

Don Hume had a successful career in mining

Don Hume, one of the rowers in the University of Washington's 1936 Olympic rowing team, went on to have a successful career in the mining industry. After graduating from college, Hume fought in World War II and was drafted into the United States Merchant Marine, serving from 1942 to 1945. Following the war, he embarked on a career in oil and gas exploration and drilling. He also served as President of the West Coast Mining Association, a role that his father, H. Douglas Hume, had also held.

Hume's father founded Nuinsco Resources, formerly New Insco Mines, and was skilled at securing finance for the company's projects. He was instrumental in lobbying for flow-through share investment incentives for the Canadian exploration sector. Following in his father's footsteps, Hume pursued a career in the mining industry, where he found success.

In addition to his career in mining, Hume was a skilled pianist, performing classical pieces and participating in state competitions. He passed away in 2001, leaving behind a legacy as a central figure in the University of Washington's Husky Hall of Fame.

Roger Morris was the last surviving crew member

Roger Morris, the last surviving member of the University of Washington rowing team, which won the gold medal at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, died in 2009 at the age of 94. Morris, who manned the bow position on the crew team, was the last remaining link to one of Seattle's greatest sports achievements.

The rowers, bonded forever by their come-from-behind victory, held annual, informal reunions, one with their families and another for just themselves. Bob Ernst, the longtime rowing coach at Washington, recalled that Morris would miss the reunion that year and was all by himself. Despite the team's success, Ernst noted that Morris remained humble throughout his life, and the gold medal never became the focus of his life.

Morris grew up in Fremont, Seattle, during the Depression era, and attended Lincoln High School. He often walked to his classes at the University of Washington, where he was a student in the mid-1930s. He was the son of a Welsh furniture and hardware store owner and came from a long line of labourers. He was one of many families who contributed to the early growth of Washington State's economy.

Morris took on a course load of engineering classes at the University of Washington and participated in rowing. Through hard work and natural talent, he earned a spot on the legendary nine-man Husky Rowing Team. In 1936, he and his teammates went on to compete in the Berlin Olympics, where they overcame political tensions and Nazi propaganda to win the gold medal.

After graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering in 1938, Morris married Reba Mott. He then moved to San Pedro, California, to learn more about the dredging business. He returned to Seattle a year later to work as a contractor on Lake Washington's first Floating Bridge. In 1945, he was drafted into the US Navy and worked on a dredging battalion at Naval Base Guam.

Upon returning from the Western Pacific in 1947, Morris joined Manson Construction Co. as a contractor. He worked on various projects, including building Manson's first hydraulic dredge and straightening the Puyallup River. He retired in December 1986 but remained in touch with his colleagues. He was remembered as a humble and good person who was proud of his past but focused on the future.

Jim McMillin also worked for Boeing

James Burge "Jim" McMillin was born in Seattle in 1914 and grew up in the Queen Anne Hill area. He was an American rower who won Olympic gold at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany. McMillin was part of the University of Washington senior varsity eights, which won US national Intercollegiate Rowing Association titles in 1936 and 1937. After graduating, he coached rowing at MIT and worked as a laboratory engineer on classified research during World War II.

Following his wartime work at MIT, McMillin embarked on a career with Boeing in Seattle. The specifics of his role at Boeing are not widely documented, but it is known that he worked for the company later in his life. McMillin's story, along with those of his teammates, is chronicled in Daniel James Brown's 2013 non-fiction book, "The Boys in the Boat." The book highlights the journey of the University of Washington rowing team and their triumph at the 1936 Olympics.

The book also served as the basis for a 2023 film directed by George Clooney, which focuses on the team's quest for gold in Berlin. The movie showcases the challenges faced by McMillin and his teammates as they balanced rowing and academics during the Great Depression. It is worth noting that Joe Rantz, another member of the rowing team, also worked for Boeing as an engineer after graduating from the University of Washington.

McMillin's career at Boeing represents a shift from his earlier pursuits in rowing and engineering. It is unclear how long he worked for the company or the specific contributions he made during his time there. However, his association with Boeing demonstrates a continuation of his dedication and commitment, which were evident in his athletic and academic achievements.

Bobby Moch became one of Seattle's most prominent attorneys

After graduating from the University of Washington, Bobby Moch went on to become a lawyer in Seattle. He joined the law firm Roberts, Shelfman, Lawrence, Gay and Moch, which later became Foster Pepper & Shefelman, and is now known as Foster Garvey. Moch's legal career was marked by diligent client representation, mirroring the dedication and perseverance he demonstrated as an athlete. He also served as the president of the UW Alumni Association during the 1978-1979 academic year. Moch's passion for crew continued throughout his life, and he served as the UW team's assistant coach in the late 1930s before becoming the head coach at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Moch passed away in 2005 at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy as one of Seattle's most prominent attorneys.

Bobby Moch's journey exemplifies the power of unity and determination in overcoming adversity. His story serves as a significant chapter in the history of Washington state, inspiring generations with his evolution from Olympic gold medalist to a distinguished attorney. Moch's impact extended beyond the world of sports, as he embodied strength, resilience, and leadership in both his personal and professional endeavours.

Moch was a pivotal member of the 1936 University of Washington rowing team, serving as the coxswain. The team's victory at the Olympic Games in Berlin was an extraordinary achievement, as they overcame challenges such as a last-minute fundraising campaign and poor positioning during the race. Moch's leadership and quick thinking played a crucial role in their triumph, as he guided the team to pass Germany and Italy in the final strokes of the race.

The University of Washington rowing team's gold medal win contributed to putting Seattle on the map. It was a source of pride for the city and the entire state, showcasing the spirit of cooperation and resilience that would later characterise Moch's legal career. The team's victory, achieved against the backdrop of the Great Depression and the rise of Nazi Germany, became a symbol of the American Dream, inspiring people across the nation.

The story of Bobby Moch and his teammates, including Joe Rantz, showcases the power of perseverance and unity in overcoming adversity. Their triumph amidst challenging circumstances inspired not just the city of Seattle but the entire nation. Moch's subsequent legal career demonstrated that his impact extended far beyond the world of sports, solidifying his legacy as one of Seattle's most prominent attorneys.

Frequently asked questions