淫人色欲社 is proud to welcome back members of the Class of 1986 for a special Pathways conversation, 鈥�.鈥� In this conversation, we reunite some of the legendary oarsmen and coaches behind one of the most extraordinary chapters in South Kent鈥檚 athletic history: the 1986 crew that competed in the , the oldest rowing competition in the world, held before the Royal Family on the Thames in London.聽 .

The conversation features Coach and Alumnus Sid Stockdale 鈥�73, alongside alumni Andy Goddard 鈥�87, Duffy Camins 鈥�89, Nicholas Butts 鈥�87, Ransom Duncan 鈥�86, Henry Brownell 鈥�86, and Stephen Nahley 鈥�86, as they share memories of their training, camaraderie, and the once-in-a-lifetime experience of representing South Kent on rowing鈥檚 most storied stage.

A Legacy of Grit and Greatness

South Kent鈥檚 crew program in the 1980s was a model of discipline and determination. Early spring training was famously demanding, Hatch Pond鈥檚 bitter winds and icy waters forged some of the toughest rowers in New England. Coach Smith often said, 鈥淪outh Kent crews are never beaten by being out of shape,鈥� and his 1984-86 teams embodied that philosophy.

In 1984, with only six returning varsity members, competition for boat seats was fierce. Even the novice crews rose to the challenge under the leadership of Stephen Nahley, the third boat won its Petite Final at Quinsigamond, the only crew that day to triumph from the toughest lane on the course.

By 1985, South Kent鈥檚 program had become one of the strongest in the region. The first boat missed victory against rival Salisbury by just 1.2 seconds, while the second boat nearly toppled Choate鈥檚 first. At Quinsig, South Kent鈥檚 top crew finished second in New England just one second behind Belmont Hill.

The Road to Henley

In 1986, South Kent鈥檚 momentum continued. With close to twelve boats and even a solo sculler, the team dominated Pomfret, Gunnery, and Choate, and placed second overall at Quinsig, only five seconds behind a record-setting winner. The lower boats brought home the prize oar from Salisbury, and Coaches Smith and Stockdale recognized that South Kent鈥檚 strength that year could take them across the Atlantic.

For the first time in twenty years, South Kent would return to the Henley Royal Regatta. The group trained rigorously on Hatch Pond and then in Brugge, Belgium, before crossing the English Channel to Henley.

For the boys from South Kent, rowing at Henley wasn鈥檛 just a race it was a moment of history, a culmination of years of discipline and teamwork, and a proud representation of what makes South Kent athletics so enduring.

Looking Back, Rowing Forward

Nearly four decades later, these alumni return to the Hillside to reflect on what the journey taught them about leadership, perseverance, and brotherhood. Their Pathways talk reminds today鈥檚 students that excellence is built not only through talent, but through relentless preparation and the courage to chase big dreams across oceans.

A thank you to Marge Smith for her book, (see pages 318-319), which supplied additional background for this Pathways talk.

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Sid Stockdale 鈥�73, distinguished alumnus, former faculty member, current board member, and son of the late , joined 淫人色欲社 for a conversation. This special event serves as a preview to Sid鈥檚 upcoming Veterans Day keynote on November 12th, where he will share the remarkable story of his parents, Admiral James and , the namesakes of South Kent鈥檚 hockey arena, the Admiral James and Sybil Stockdale Arena.

Sid will return to campus on November 12th to speak live to students. His talk will reflect on the enduring lessons of leadership, sacrifice, and resilience that his family鈥檚 story represents, and the principles that are also central to South Kent鈥檚 Stockdale Leadership Academy.

In this virtual session, Sid offered a personal and moving account of his journey to South Kent and his life growing up as the son of one of America鈥檚 most respected military leaders. His recently published book serves as the basis for much of the conversation, offering candid reflections on family, identity, and what it means to live in the shadow, and light of greatness.

His father, Vice Admiral James Stockdale, the legendary naval aviator and Medal of Honor recipient, is one of the most decorated officers in U.S. Navy history. Stockdale is also the namesake of the Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership at the . Captured during the Vietnam War, Admiral Stockdale spent over seven years as a prisoner of war, during which he withstood extraordinary hardship and became a symbol of Stoic virtues of courage, moral clarity, and unwavering honor.

Beyond his military service, Admiral Stockdale was a noted scholar of philosophy and ethics, and even a vice-presidential candidate in 1992. His principled leadership and intellectual rigor continue to influence generations of leaders and thinkers.

Sid鈥檚 talk is more than a historical reflection, it鈥檚 a deeply personal story of family values, quiet strength, and the lifelong impact of growing up under the example of a true American hero. His session will include a brief presentation followed by an open Q&A, allowing students to engage directly with this powerful narrative.

This is a rare and meaningful opportunity to connect with the Stockdale legacy firsthand and to reflect on the deeper meaning of service, leadership, and what it truly means to live a life of purpose.

and read Sid鈥檚 book:

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This panel is open to 5th & 6th Form students as part of their collaboration with the College Counseling Office. As students begin identifying potential college destinations, they are also exploring professional pathways through South Kent鈥檚 new Life Lab & Graduate Workshop Series, led by Kathleen Lindenmayer 鈥�79. This initiative introduces a design thinking approach to help students discover career paths aligned with their interests, strengths, and evolving goals.

Meet the Panelists:
Todd Dougherty 鈥�90 (Cisco)
A former South Kent hockey player, Todd has built a career at the crossroads of technology and sports innovation. Representing Cisco, a world leader in networking and cybersecurity, he鈥檒l share how South Kent鈥檚 emphasis on teamwork and leadership has shaped his professional journey.

Eran Argios (Salesforce)
A global voice in tech innovation, Eran specializes in transforming industries through digital platforms. Her expertise in the intersection of AI, customer experience and emerging technologies will offer students a roadmap for staying agile in a digital-first world.

Steve Shank (Google)
From South Kent鈥檚 hockey rink to Google鈥檚 global operations, Steve Shank brings a compelling story of merging passion and profession. He鈥檒l speak to his experiences and how staying true to your purpose can guide a fulfilling career in tech.

This panel is an exciting opportunity for 5th and 6th Form students to engage directly with alumni shaping the future of technology.

Topics will include:

• Transitioning from South Kent鈥檚 tight-knit community to global tech firms
• Staying adaptable in a rapidly evolving industry
• Using design thinking to align career interests with personal strengths
• Translating SKS values into real-world success

The 淫人色欲社 community is invited to join us for this event Wednesday, September 24th 聽from 1:30鈥�2:30 PM in Bringhurst Auditorium.

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