Three alumni from the men’s rowing team were in action at the 2011 Pan American Games to help the United States Men’s Eight claim a gold medal on Wednesday in Guadalajara, Mexico. The former Owls, Jason Read (’03), Marcus McElhenney (’03), and Joe Spencer (’05), paced the U.S. as the team led the entire way, defeating Canada by nearly two seconds. Read is also in his first year as the Temple women’s rowing coach. (video of race: courtesy deportesus.terra.com)  The medal count at the Pan American Games is currently in favor of the U.S., as it boasts 34 gold and 98 total medals, while Brazil is in second with 14 gold and 42 total medals.  The Pan American Games are held every four years preceding the Olympic Games, as teams prepare for world competition.