Written for The Argo by Gabriela Marroquin

The Stockton men’s and women’s rowing teams began their 24-hour “row-a-thon” fundraiser event in front of the Independence Mall Tuesday afternoon, hoping to spread awareness of the rowing teams’ efforts for upcoming competitions.

Using an ergometer, an exercise machine used to record rowing movements, members from both teams unified to reach a goal of 1.5 million meters rowed in 24 hours, equaling about 20 miles per participant. Beginning at 12 p.m., the teams rowed in shifts, both mixed and unmixed, though Tuesday until Wednesday Afternoon.

The event helped to raise money for both programs with the goal to offset the cost of the student portion for their eight-day spring break training trip to Lake Lenier. The training, which will take place just outside Atlanta, GA, will have the teams racing against up to seven other colleges. 

The race course is considered to be on the international level, featuring buoyed lanes and current controlled devices. This course was also the site for the 1996 Olympic rowing venue.

In addition to raising money for the student-athletes, the event also hoped to help raise awareness for the rowing teams here at Stockton. Coach Joseph Maguire explained his enthusiasm for the students, stating that “Both teams have worked really hard. We as a team- both men and women together- appreciate the support that we get from the entire Stockton community- students, administration, faculty, the whole nine yards” said Maguire.

Activities were held to boost morale and get the greater Stockton community involved, such as short competitions where onlookers could challenge a rower to a friendly race using the ergometers. Nonparticipants were encouraged to cheer on the student-athletes and enjoy the music being played.

With the event now completed, both rowing teams are on track to begin their spring break training later this year. For more information about the team, please check out: https://stocktonathletics.com/