ROWING
FOR MSU
Founded in 1996, Murray State Crew is a competitive and tight-knit collegiate rowing team that brings together dedicated student-athletes from all backgrounds and experience levels. No experience is required. Our team will help build all the foundations for anyone that joins whether experienced or not. Whether you're an athlete looking for a new challenge or just curious to try something new, we’ll teach you everything you need to know—from your first stroke to racing at regattas across the South. Our team is dedicated on and off of the water, with a culture that values hard work, friendships, and fun.
-
MATT WEAVER
HEAD COACH
Matt Weaver is the current Head Coach of the Murray State University Crew. He rowed for Murray State from 2001 to 2006 and was president of the team for 2 of those years. In 2006, he became the graduate asistant for the women's team under Bill Mclean until 2008. In 2008, took over as head coach for the entire club and has continued since. -
Jordyn Newhouse
Assistant Coach
-
DAN LAVIT
FACULTY ADVISOR
OUR BOATHOUSE
The boathouse is situated within the 1,795 acres of Kenlake State Resort Park, on the western shore of Kentucky Lake.
Kenlake State Resort Park
332 Bayview Rd
Hardin, KY 42048
OUR WATER
Kentucky Lake offers serene, glass-like water in the morning and a stunning mist at sunrise. Early mornings bring calm winds, making the surface look like a mirror reflecting the sky.
OUR ERG ROOM
Newly renovated and located in the Carr health building in the center of Murray State’s campus.
Carr Health Building
312 N 15th St,
Murray, KY 42071
Frequently
Asked Questions
-
Rowing is a fast-paced team sport that combines strength, endurance, and coordination. Athletes race in long, narrow boats propelled by oars, making it one of the most physically demanding and rewarding sports. At Murray State we practice sweep rowing, where each rower uses one oar, while also incorporating sculling, where rowers use two oars. Our team competes in a variety of boat classes, ranging from single-person boats to eight-person shells.
Every boat relies on two key roles: rowers, who provide the power that drives the boat forward, and coxswains, who steer, communicate strategy, and lead the crew. New members have the opportunity to explore both positions and choose the role that best fits their skills and interests, as each plays a vital part in the success of the team.
-
A coxswain is a vital member of the team who does not row, but rather steers the boat and directs their crew. Sitting within the shell, facing forward, their motivation, commands, and awareness for safety are an absolutely crucial part of any rowing team. Although coxswains are traditionally of shorter stature, we welcome anyone with leadership, focus, and a strong voice to try it out!
-
Yes. The lake is at it’s smoothest in the am, and it’s also the best way to get everyone together on a daily basis before your classes start. While it’s not always fun to wake up early, we do find that it helps our athletes to schedule their time better. When you can wake up and get your practice out of the way first thing in the morning, you then have a full day ahead of you and you don’t need to worry about scheduling around practice.
-
No. More than 90% of the athletes on our team had never touched an oar prior to stepping foot on campus. This is also the case for most schools across the country. For this reason, all first-year collegiate athletes, regardless of their year in school, are eligible to compete in a Novice division. As a novice, you will only race against other novices, the vast majority of whom are just learning the sport as well. Over the course of a full year, we will develop your skills and fitness to be able to go toe-to-toe with top programs from around the country.
-
Simply show up to our open tryout session, or fill out our recruitment info form here.
