Fairfield University athletics announced men's rowing will become the program's 20th varsity sport beginning with the 2007-08 academic year. The announcement was made by Director of Athletics Eugene P. Doris on Wednesday.

"I am pleased to add the men's rowing team to our list of varsity sports," Doris said. "I believe the ability to compete as a varsity program will enhance the experience of our student-athletes, and improve their ability to consistently compete for a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference championship."

The men's and women's rowing programs began as club teams in the early 1990s and competed in many regional regattas and races over the years. The women's rowing program became a varsity sport for the 1997-98 campaign, competing in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC). The Stags won the 2000 MAAC championship, their third year of varsity competition.

The men's rowing team remained at the club level since its inception. The program competed in the MAAC championship and various other championship events such as Dad Vails, New York Metropolitans, and the New England championships over the last 15 years.

Fairfield University is currently conducting a search for a director of rowing who will oversee both the men's and women's rowing teams according to Doris.

Posted On: 06-20-2007 10:06 AM

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