Dads sought to become first coach
It’s time to strap on your life jackets because NDSU is getting its first ever rowing team. The following announcement was made this weekend by the NDSU Athletic Department’s Twitter account:
“After days of contemplation, we have decided to introduce both men’s and women’s rowing programs to our Bison athletic family! #GoBison #RowRowRowTheBoat”
The teams will practice on stationary rowing machines during the winter, but the team has a unique opportunity to get hands-on practice on campus. Due to the high currents and unpredictability of the Red River, the team can’t practice there. There are a few ponds in Fargo, but they usually remain frozen until mid-season. The most feasible location for the team to practice is in the streets of Fargo, and what street better than our very own Albrecht Boulevard?
Albrecht Boulevard floods every spring and is perfectly straight from Morrill Hall to the Fargodome. During flood years, the road will be virtually clear of all road traffic. Add onto that the fact that it has two divided lanes so that the men’s team and women’s team can practice simultaneously, and you have the perfect state-of-the-art practice facility for the NDSU rowing teams.
“(Albrecht) drains water like Shaq drains free throws,” said NDSU athletic director Matt Larsen. “We saw that with just a little rain fall in the fall of 2016, which set the building blocks in place. With a training facility like that, other teams won’t stand a chance.”
Fargoans have been in a constant battle with the flooding for generations. It’s refreshing to finally make some good out of a bad situation. Naturally, the NDSU rowing program only has an advantage over other programs when flooding occurs. Until something is done to permanently reduce flooding in the area, we will be one step ahead of the competition. There is potential for a 50-year collegiate rowing dynasty.
It’s unclear at this time who will coach the rowers. When asked about the openings, Larsen stated that the department would be searching for candidates who “have previously been on a boat, work well with students and look like they know what they’re doing.” Most dads in the Fargo-Moorhead area will be considered.
The athletic department isn’t planning on scouting for talent. Instead, they’re looking to recruit from the athlete pool already on campus. The football, volleyball and basketball players are considered their top prospects. Tall and strong individuals have an advantage in rowing because they’re capable of obtaining more leverage.
We asked some athletes on campus if they would consider joining the team. Emily Halverson, a middle hitter on the volleyball team, responded with, “I don’t think we have a rowing team.” Tyson Ward, a starter on the men’s basketball team, replied, “What? No.” Lastly, Bison linebacker Jabril Cox retorted, “Really? Can’t you just let me go to the bathroom?”
Even though the future of recruitment is as murky as a sidewalk puddle, Bison fans have a lot to look forward to. If the competition wants to stand a chance, they’re going to need a bigger boat.