It’s only been two years since AC completed construction on the new Boathouse at Devils Lake, but rowing is starting to grow in popularity among students.
Coach Bart Thompson said the team is looking forward to starting its second season in the next few weeks. Since rowing is relatively new on campus, the team spent most of the first season developing a team culture and learning the sport, Thompson said.
“We have an enticing fall schedule in which we’ll have a lot of opportunities to face off against some of the better teams in our region,” said coach Bart Thompson. “We first travel to the Head of the Grand, where our men will get a shot at in-state competitors Grand Valley State and Michigan State.”
The women will challenge Grand Valley State, Eastern Michigan, and conference rival North Park, Thompson said. Later in the season, the Bulldogs will head to the Muskie Chase in Marietta, Ohio, an event hosted by conference member Marietta College.
“We finish our fall at the Bald Eagle Collegiate Invitational, where we’ll face some of the best rowing programs in the Midwest,” he said.
The Bald Eagle Collegiate Invitational, held at Eagle Creek in Indianapolis, is hosted by Purdue University’s crew team.
“We’re excited for this fall schedule and look forward to competing against so many high-caliber teams.”
Thompson said the team is preparing for its major spring races in the Mid-Atlantic Rowing Conference (MARC) Championships. Both squads want to medal at this regatta in the spring.
“We know that for that to happen we will need to work hard through the winter season,” Thompson said. “Winning in April and May doesn’t happen without successful training in January and February.”
Team members include:
Rowing is one of Adrian’s most time-consuming sports. The team practices six days a week with 2.5 hours at the boathouse on Devils Lake, and twice a week for an hour on campus in the weight room, Thompson said.
“When you factor in driving to the boathouse, rowers spend around 18 hours a week practicing,” he said.
The team’s top boats will be announced within the next few weeks after rowers kick off the season.
