Oliver Adam came to Dowling College with a silver medal from the 1995 Pam Am games already under his belt and a desire to help Dowling Crew reach new heights. Adam led Dowling to their first New York State Championship in 1999, and brought the Golden Lions a win on college crew’s biggest stage- the Dad Vail Regatta. After his collegiate rowing career ended, Adam took over the women’s crew program and guided the team to a medal in the Dad Vail Regatta after only one year. Adams’ women’s varsity four boat took home bronze in 2001, and finally earned a gold medal at the Dad Vails in 2002. In addition to coaching at Dowling, Adam also served as the Assistant to the Athletic Director from 2000-2002.

Adam, originally from El Salvador, was named Rower of the Century in his native country and twice received the Golden Eagle Award after being named the country’s top male athlete. In 1997, Adam placed third at the Rowing World Championships in indoor crash-B sprint for lightweight men. Adam left Dowling in November 2002 to work as a flight dispatcher in Inssbruck, Austria where he still resides. In March 2004, he obtained his FAA flight dispatcher license in Florida and is currently working for Tyrolean Airways.

“Dowling was a big part of my life and taught me many things”, said Adam. “I have many memories as a rower and coach, and had the opportunity to meet some great people, which made leaving the hardest thing for me”.

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