John J. Hoyle

Cornell's Assistant Coach 1909-1920

Cornell's Crew Coach 1920-1924

Originally a cabinet maker and piano builder, Hoyle developed an interest in rowing and began building boats.  In 1899, Charles E. "Pop" Courtney hired him as Cornell's official boat builder, a position he would hold until 1929.

In 1909, he became the assistant coach under Courtney and coached the freshman crews until 1920.  Upon Courtney's death in 1920, he became the varsity coach until Charles Lueder was hired in 1924.  He returned to building boats for Cornell until he retired.

His boats were known for excellent craftsmanship and upon his death in August 1932, a boat he had built in 1910 was still in use by the Cornell crews.

Sources about Hoyle:

Building Shells According to Hoyle by Lee Corbin

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