University of Tennessee Athletics
UT Dedicates The Wayne G. Basler Boathouse
April 29, 2015 | Rowing
By Brian Rice
UTSports.com
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- The University of Tennessee rowing program has long used the Torchbearer as a model for the team and what it stands for each season.
As the program officially dedicated its home on Neyland Drive, it was able to honor a torchbearer of its own, Wayne Basler.
"It's another very exciting day as we continue to address our priorities in our capital projects," Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Dave Hart said. "The boathouse has been atop that list for some time. Now, we can bring to fruition what we have planned thanks to the generosity of Wayne Basler. Wayne has an affinity for track and field and an affinity for rowing. He has helped us so much over the years and this is just the latest example of his generosity."
Wayne G. Basler Boathouse, named for the primary benefactor whose leadership gift made the project possible, will feature new locker rooms and a state-of-the-art indoor training center that will occupy the entire top floor that was one home to a restaurant and banquet space. Now, the team will be able to fully utilize all three floors of the building, giving UT's largest women's team the space needed to be successful.
"We have not had an adequate space to do what the young women that participate in our rowing program need to do," Hart said of the project that will represent a seven-figure investment. "This will correct that. It is very, very exciting to see this day come."
In her 17 seasons at UT, head coach Lisa Glenn has seen the program's facilities grow from meeting at a storage area outside an old glove factory to construction of the boathouse and now its expansion. It is a progression that the program itself has mirrored and Basler has been there as a benefactor and friend for Tennessee all along the way.
"Wayne has been there when we have needed him, when we've needed to move forward, having the means to do it has been priceless for us," said Glenn. "He has been there since day one all the way through this point.
"It's really amazing to be at this point right now, needing to grow and needing to move in strong strides forward, to have the resources to put into the locker room and the training facility will make a world of difference for us."
The official symbol of UT, the Volunteer statue, is a centerpiece of Circle Park on campus. Glenn has always used the symbol and the Volunteer Creed etched below it as a model for her program. The team annually holds walk-on meetings and recruiting events at the famous spot.
The creed "One that beareth a torch shadoweth oneself to give light to others" has also been a theme for the program. It is the motto that Glenn wants her athletes to embody in training and on the water and it is one that she sees a real-life example in from Basler.
"He really embodies that and I think that's a really important message for our team," Glenn said. "In rowing there are no superstars, you have to serve the boat because there are nine pieces working together, you have to figure that out. To have an example of that right here with them is really remarkable."
Basler was director and president of AFG Industries, Inc. and has been noted for his support of academic and athletic programs at UT and across east Tennessee. His passion burns brightest for the Volunteers, where he endowed his first scholarship for women's athletics in 1992. Over the years, Basler has endowed scholarships in every women's sport at UT, awards that have directly benefitted over 100 student-athletes.
"So many women have benefitted from his generosity in terms of scholarships," Hart said. "Wayne leads that charge. He has been an absolute pillar in terms of not only what he does but in setting an example for others. He has helped hundreds of student-athletes with his generous demeanor. And he is always asking us `What can I do to help?' This is an example of what Wayne Basler does."
Basler has been particularly close to the rowing and track and field programs. He recently returned from supporting the Tennessee track teams at the Penn Relays and is a frequent attendee at rowing events around the country.
"His favorite thing is to spend time with the team and spend time in the process of what we're doing," said Glenn. "The rowers really get to know him and appreciate the specialness about Wayne and that makes it more exciting for them and how grateful they are for it."
