Ferdinand Bergen – Assistant Coach

Coach Ferdinand Bergen, a Level 3 USRowing-certified coach, has been dedicated to rowing for over 35 years, beginning the sport in 1987 as an elementary school student. He competed at LaSalle College High School in Philadelphia, earning multiple titles at the Philadelphia City, Catholic League, and Stotesbury Cup regattas in Novice, Junior, and Varsity 8+ events. Continuing his success at Temple University, he secured four consecutive Dad Vail Regatta gold medals.

His international experience includes competing for Tribesman Rowing Club (Galway, Ireland) at the Irish National Championships and the Henley Royal Regatta in 2001. From 1996 to 2009, he represented the Undine Barge Club in various sculling events, winning five national championships in Intermediate and Senior categories. Over the years, he has competed internationally in Canada, Ireland, England, and Taiwan. His passion for rowing is deeply rooted—his mother, Liz Bergen, is a USRowing Hall of Fame inductee and a member of the first U.S. Women’s National Team at the 1967 World Championships in Vichy, France.

As a coach, Ferdinand has contributed to the success of numerous rowing programs. In 2003-2004, he led Agnes Irwin School (Villanova, PA) to multiple Stotesbury Cup and Scholastic National medals. In 2004, he coached The Shipley School (Bryn Mawr, PA) at the Henley Women’s Regatta in England. In 2009, he trained a Downingtown High School single sculler to a silver medal at the Philadelphia City Championships and a grand final placement at the Stotesbury Cup Regatta. Additionally, he has volunteered his expertise to Temple University’s Men’s and Women’s rowing teams from 2008 to 2020, further demonstrating his commitment to developing athletes and growing the sport.