Holy Cross Rowing Coach Retires, Was Driver In Deadly Crash

WORCESTER, MA — Thirty-four year Holy Cross rowing coach Patrick Diggins is retiring, the college announced on Feb. 21. Diggins was driving a van full of rowers when it was hit by a pickup truck in Florida last month, injuring 13 and leaving rower Grace Rett dead.

Diggins, a 1986 Holy Cross graduate, was the college's rowing director, and first became the women's head coach in 1987. He steered the team to multiple championships, including a 1993 win at the Head of the Charles Regatta.

"I thank Patrick for his years of dedication and service to the college," Director of Athletics Marcus Blossom said in a statement. "I wish him luck as he steps into this new chapter."

Diggins was also injured in the Jan. 15 crash in Vero Beach. According to police reports, the crash happened when Diggins, 55, of Holden, made a left turn across a busy road. The driver of a pickup truck smashed into the passenger side of the vehicle. Vero Beach police believe Diggins failed to yield to oncoming traffic in the moments before the crash.

The Holy Cross women's rowing season begins April 4. Jim Barr, the men's rowing coach, will take over as interim women's rowing coach until the college finds a permanent replacement.