Today marks a new chapter in the storied sports tradition at Ohio Wesleyan University.
The Women’s Rowing squad travels to Marietta College today to participate in the Muskie Chase.
OWU announced that it was adding the sport last year. At the time, athletics director Roger Ingles stated, “It is a bold move to add two new sports (1812 Note – men’s wrestling was reinstated as well), but they will provide great opportunities for our student-athletes,” Ingles said. “Through the addition of these two new programs, the growth of the Ohio Wesleyan athletics department will play an integral part in the University’s strategic growth.”[widgets_on_pages id=1]
This addition increased Ohio Wesleyan’s complement of varsity sports to 25, with 13 for women and 12 for men. They are the first varsity sports to be added at Ohio Wesleyan since 2010, when women’s golf was added for the 2010-11 season. Ohio Wesleyan becomes the first North Coast Athletic Conference institution to sponsor women’s rowing. A total of 42 NCAA Division III institutions sponsor women’s rowing. The NCAA sponsors Division III championships in the sport.
“We are extremely excited about adding women’s rowing and providing women the opportunity to continue competing in their sport post-high school while getting a first-class education,” Ingles said. “Rowing makes sense because of the growth of the sport in Ohio and nationally, as well as its fit with the demographics of our student body. We will not only be expanding our offerings for women’s sports, but we also will be able to utilize some of our nearby natural resources.”
Possible sites for women’s rowing competition include Hoover Reservoir, on the Scioto River in western Delaware County, and Alum Creek Reservoir in eastern Delaware County.
President Rock Jones said expanding the number of varsity sports also fits with Ohio Wesleyan’s commitment to the liberal arts and to graduating well-rounded individuals.
“Ohio Wesleyan is committed to preparing our students to lead healthy, happy, and productive lives,” Jones said. “Athletics is a vital component of this work. The teamwork, the group problem-solving, and the focus on attaining shared goals all are qualities that translate in meaningful ways into every aspect of life. And, of course, everyone at OWU is excited about being able to cheer on more Battling Bishop student-athletes.”
The brand new @owu_wrow team debuts at their first regatta tomorrow. An exciting day for a new @OWUSport at @OhioWesleyan! Here is a photo from practice a few weeks back. #GoBishops pic.twitter.com/E8n1nOn14V
— Rock Jones (@owu_rockjones) October 26, 2018
