Xavier Rowing Launches with Community Clinic for All Levels
Xavier Rowing's Star-Studded Kickoff: Celebrating Diversity and Community
On the picturesque banks of Bayou St. John, the Xavier University Rowing Club hosted its inaugural community event at the New Orleans Rowing Club boathouse on January 19th, marking a significant milestone in collegiate rowing.
The air buzzed with excitement as the club, only in its nascent stage since its founding in September 2023, welcomed a diverse crowd. The event punctuated the work of the Xavier Rowing club and shared their accomplishments with the Xavier and New Orleans communities. People of all ages and backgrounds were able to support the club and learn about rowing.
Celebrating Diversity in Rowing
The highlight of the event was the presence of notable figures in the rowing world. Brannon Johnson, the owner of BLJ Rowing and a trailblazer as the founder of the first Black-owned and operated rowing organization in the US, graced the event with her insights and experience. David Banks, a two-time Olympian and one of the few Black athletes to have represented Team USA in rowing, shared his inspiring journey. Marqus Brown, Head Coach of Waco Rowing and former assistant at the University of Washington, brought his extensive coaching expertise to the fore.
A Kickoff that Went Beyond Rowing
From 3pm to 6pm, attendees experienced the joy and challenge of rowing through a 'Learn to Row' clinic, designed to cater to various skill levels. This hands-on experience underscored the club's commitment to making rowing an inclusive and accessible sport. At the same time, the athletes who had been learning to row through the fall got in an intensive practice with Banks and Brown.
Gratitude and Future Plans
The event also served as an occasion to acknowledge the generous support that has been pivotal in the club’s development. Special mentions were made to JL Athletics for sponsoring the athletes' gear, the Payne Family Foundation for Education and Youth via the Greater New Orleans Foundation for their seed funding, and Concept2 for equipping the club with six top-tier rowing ergs (rowing machines).
Looking forward, the club announced an exciting lineup of potential spring events, including the New Orleans Indoor Rowing Championships, the Louisiana State Collegiate Championships, and the Southern Intercollegiate Rowing Association Regatta, alongside future 'Learn to Row' clinics and further training opportunities through NORC.
A Unifying Message
The overwhelming sentiment, echoed by all, was that this initiative is about much more than sports. It's about the student-athletes at its heart, their dedication, and the unifying power of rowing in bringing diverse communities together.
As the sun set over Bayou St. John, the Xavier Rowing Club’s kickoff event left an indelible mark, not just as a successful gathering, but as a vivid illustration of the potential of sports to bridge gaps and build communities.
