USRowing Announces 2025 Referee Annual Award Winners

USRowing is pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 Referee Awards.

Jack Franklin Award – John Cavanaugh

Joan "Mama Z" Zandbergen Award – Susan Schmidt

Julian Wolf Award - Doug Jones 

Together, John Cavanaugh, Susan Schmidt, and Doug Jones represent the very best of rowing officiating—marked by integrity, service, mentorship, and an enduring passion for the sport. Their contributions ensure that rowing continues to thrive in a fair, safe, and inspiring competitive environment for generations to come.

John Cavanaugh - Jack Franklin Award 

The Jack Franklin Award recognizes an individual for a lifetime of contributions to our sport. The winner of the Franklin Award is selected by the Referee Committee. 

John Cavanaugh is recognized for more than three decades of extraordinary service to the sport as a Midwest referee, clinician, mentor, and leader. With 32 years as a referee and 57 total years associated with rowing, John’s impact on the sport, especially in Minnesota and across the U.S.–Canada border, has been profound. He is widely respected as an educator and mentor, known for his unwavering belief in people and dedication to guiding new referees along their professional pathways.

As the liaison between U.S. referees and Canadian umpires in his region, John helps organize juries, harmonize officiating practices, and bridge two rule systems with expertise and care. His leadership has strengthened cross-border cooperation and elevated officiating standards. One former rower summed up his influence simply: “John’s legacy is defined not just by titles or tenures, but by the lives he’s changed.”

John was introduced to rowing in 1968 at the Minnesota Boat Club in St. Paul and competed for 27 years before becoming licensed as a referee in 1990. His experience spans collegiate and club rowing, coaching, officiating at regional, national, and international regattas, and 25 years as a referee clinician. Professionally, John spent 38 years in ophthalmology across surgery, clinics, and corneal refractive therapy. A graduate of the University of St. Thomas, he also served in the Navy and Army National Guard from 1970–1986. Among his many honors are the 2011 USRA Referee Committee Service Award, the Julian Wolf Award, and the 2020 Ron Basarab Exceptional Service Award.

Susan Schmidt– Joan "Mama Z" Zandbergen Award

The Joan "Mama Z" Zandbergen Award for Sustained Superior Performance is presented to one USRowing official who, over a period of 3-10 years, has stood apart from the rest of their peers. The winner is selected by previous winners. 

Susan Schmidt, an L3 referee, is the recipient of the prestigious Joan Zandbergen (Mama Z) Award in recognition of her extraordinary commitment, professionalism, and leadership. Working up to 24 days a year across multiple regions, Susan is known for her consistent excellence in assignments and her deep knowledge of the rules. Calm under pressure and meticulous in preparation, she brings clarity and confidence to every racing environment. Her leadership style is rooted in kindness, thoughtful communication, and teamwork, making her not only a highly respected official but also a joy to work alongside. With a warm sense of humor and an unwavering dedication to fair competition, Susan truly embodies the spirit of this award.

Susan has been involved in rowing for the past 35 years as a competitor, coach, volunteer, and referee. When not officiating, she can often be found racing with her rowing club friends or former collegiate teammates up and down the East Coast. Professionally, Susan built a career in the finance industry as a derivatives products specialist and later as a trusted financial volunteer for growing nonprofit organizations. She has served in leadership roles for several local charities, clubs, and organizations and is well known for her love of a well-built spreadsheet. Susan resides in Fairfield, Connecticut, with her husband, Thomas.

"Serving as a USRowing Referee has given me a deeper insight into the importance of organizational leadership in the world of sports,” said Susan Schmidt. “I view rowing events, particularly those that highlight the youth categories, as an opportunity for USRowing officials to demonstrate effective communication, kindness, and professionalism while adjudicating races. Having athletes walk away from a difficult conversation or racing incident with a greater understanding of the rules of racing and compassion for their competitors will always be the highlight of any workday. And, of course, a great day on the water with my colleagues! " 

Doug Jones - Julian Wolf Award

The Julian Wolf Award pays tribute to the one rowing official in the USA that stood apart from the rest in his/her contribution to rowing in the past year. It is based upon one, several, or all of the following: outstanding performance, dedication, heroic acts, or outstanding contributions to officiating. The winner is selected by five past Wolf award winners. 

Doug Jones is being honored for his tireless service and exceptional leadership as an L3 clinician, referee, and chief. First licensed in 2001, he now works more than 40 regatta days per year and continues to expand his impact across the national stage. In addition to serving as Chief and Deputy Chief for Youth Nationals over the past three years, Doug was the Chief Referee for the inaugural Youth Beach Championships in Sarasota, Florida. This year, he also took on the significant responsibility of Senior Trials Coordinator while chiefing two national championships and the Head of the Hooch.

Doug is admired for his deep technical knowledge, steady leadership, and generous mentorship. A natural team player with a great sense of humor, he is one of the most sought-after chiefs in the country, known for building strong juries and fostering positive working environments. His countless volunteer hours supporting Ref Corps development and national initiatives reflect a level of dedication that truly sets him apart.

Doug has been involved in rowing and refereeing for nearly 25 years and currently serves as the Referee Trials Coordinator for the National Team for the 2025–2028 Olympic Quadrennium. In addition to supporting Youth Nationals, he has officiated at major events, including IRAs and NCAAs. Doug remains deeply inspired by the rowing community, where he believes strong bonds are formed and a lasting impact is made. His mission is to ensure athletes experience rowing in a safe, fair, competitive, and positive environment.

“Doug is continuously and constantly inspired to stay engaged with the sport of rowing and give back to it because of the Community,” said Elain Roden, Referee Committee. “It's within the rowing community that strong bonds are forged. In addition, he wants to provide all the athletes with a positive, engaging experience in a safe, fair, and competitive environment.”