Men's Rowing Spring Season Preview

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The RIT men's rowing team begins their spring season Saturday (Mar. 30) racing at Syracuse. Here are a few things you need to know about this year's squad:
 
PRESEASON RANKING
The Intercollegiate Rowing Coaches Association (IRCA) has the Tigers ranked 13th in their 2024 Varsity 8+ preseason poll. Sitting at the top of the table is Tufts, followed by Williams College and Wesleyan University in the top-three.

FALL COMPETITION
The Tigers competed in three regattas during the fall including the Head of the Genesee, where the Varsity 8+ boat took first place out of four teams. RIT also raced in the Challenge of the Canal hosted by Hobart and finished the fall racing against Rochester, where the Varsity 8+ boat earned first place.

EXPERIENCE IN THE BOAT
This year's squad has three fifth-years and six seniors. Among the fifth-years are Ben Baker, Adrian Edwards and Jack Oden, while the seniors are Michael DeFranco, Adam Dernis, Keenan Gildea, Tommy Moore, Josh Samuel and Luke Willett.

NEW POSTSEASON OPPORTUNITY
For the first time in program-history, the Tigers will compete in the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) National Championship. The fours boat is guaranteed a spot and will compete against both Division I and Division II schools. As for the Varsity 8+ boats, the Tigers can qualify based on their performance in the Liberty League Championship. If qualified, the Varsity 8+ boats would compete against Division III schools only.

COACH'S NOTES
Head coach Carol Schoenecker enters her first spring season as the RIT rowing coach. Having previously coached at two Division I institutions (Duquesne and Robert Morris), Schoenecker states that this RIT squad is "the deepest team in terms of talent" that she's ever coached. "These athletes are genuinely excited and eager to learn everyday", which is something she admires most about this team.

SCHEDULE
RIT begins their spring season racing at Syracuse Saturday (Mar. 30), followed by a race April 6 at Ithaca. On April 14, the team competes at WPI, followed by the New York State Championships in Saratoga Springs' Fish Creek April 20. RIT closes out the month hosting St. Lawrence on April 27. The Liberty League Championships are May 3 in Saratoga Springs, followed by the Dad Vail Regatta that will be held May 10-11. The IRA National Championship will be May 29-June 2.