MURRAY STATE ROWING
EST. 1996
CELEBRATING
30 YEARS of rowing at
murray state.
Many had doubts when MSU President Kern Alexander announced his plans to launch a rowing program in the fall of 1996. Locals wondered about the ivy-league sport’s place on a lake crowded with bass fishermen. The student newspaper mocked “Kern’s Navy”. But students were interested because it provided a unique opportunity to be involved in something that couldn’t be found just anywhere. In fact, Murray State had the first collegiate rowing program in the state, two years before the University of Louisville.
Ever since its inception in 1996, hundreds of men and women have joined the ranks of Murray State Rowing.
Through the spirit of the sport itself, these different people formed unbreakable bonds of friendship and camaraderie.
Those bonds continue to this day, and in turn, those very alumni continue to support the team they know and love.
"ON OR OFF THE WATER, WE FUNCTION AS ONE UNIT, ONE BOAT, ONE TEAM."
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.
“In rowing as in life, there are competitors and there are racers. The competitor works hard and rows to his limit. The racer does not think of limits. Only the race. ”
-Jim Dietz, Rowing Coach, USCGA
FALL 2026 SCHEDULE
September 12:
Murray State Family Weekend
Murray, KY
October 3:
Scrimmage @ Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
October 16-18
Murray State Homecoming Weekend
Murray, KY
October 31
Music City Head Race
Nashville, TN
November 7-8
Head of the Hooch
Chattanooga, TN
SPRING 2027 SCHEDULE
Not posted a date yet
Percy Priest Sprints
Nashville TN
Typically 3rd week of April.
No official dates announced yet.
Southern Intercollegiate Rowing Association (SIRA) Championship
Oak Ridge, TN
May 21-23
American Collegiate Rowing Association (ACRA) National Championship
Oak Ridge, TN