Student-athletes, alumni, parents, and friends of Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆRowing gathered on February 24 at the Kelley Center to reflect on the Men's and Women's teams' past and share hopes for the upcoming races.
Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆAthletics hosted a Friends of Rowing banquet on Saturday, February 24 at the Kelley Center from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Over 175 student-athletes, alumni, parents, and friends attended in support of Fairfield’s men’s and women’s rowing programs.
Every year, the rowing banquet continues to grow as Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆgraduates more rowers. This annual reception is used as a springboard into the new racing season, with both the men’s and women’s crews scheduled to launch their spring season at the Amherst Invitational on March 24.
“The banquet is an event that student-athletes have come to enjoy for the past five years,” stated David Patterson, head coach of Men’s and Women’s Rowing. "During the evening, seniors are awarded Golden Hammers as recognition for their efforts over the past four years. There are shared stories of races won, winter training survival, and, hopefully, a number of good times along the way.”
Student-athletes aren’t the only group that looks forward to this reception. Coach Patterson reflected on the history of the banquet, stating that “after graduation, our alumni have an expectation that the end of February is the time to gather with old crewmates on campus; albeit, it's not the exclusive date for old friends to meet up.”
The banquet also serves as an opportunity for parents to reconnect with their children, hear about the past season, and learn about the program's hopes for the upcoming races.
During the reception, support from alumni, parents, and friends was felt by the entire rowing program. Student-athletes left the event even more motivated to represent Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆon the water.
For those who were unable to attend the Friends of Rowing banquet but would still like to support Fairfield’s rowing programs, please make a gift to or . to view photos from the annual reception.
