JACKSONVILLE, Fla.- For the third consecutive season, the Jacksonville men's rowing team will be competing at the IRA National Championships. 

"Jacksonville raced a Varsity Eight and Second Varsity Eight in 2021 and a Varsity Four in 2022 that placed 12th," said head coach Preston Weinard. "We will take a Varsity Four with a goal of placing higher than any other JU crew at the IRA."

JU qualified a boat for the third consecutive season and has hopes of placing higher than last season's 12th place finish. The team reached the Petite Final a year ago, and their 6:18:033 time in the time-trials to advance to the Petite Final was faster than boats from Navy, Oklahoma and Wisconsin. After being a top 18 team in the time-trial, Jacksonville matched up against the likes of Princeton, Dartmouth, Northeastern, Williams and Syracuse in a semi-final. The Dolphins went on to place third in the semi-final, which put them in the Varsity Four Petite Final, something that had never been done at the IRA National Championships by a Dolphin Varsity Four prior.

"Right now though, I am excited to get these guys in small boats, mix them up, and try to find the fastest 4+ we can offer," said Weinard. "The group staying to train for the 4+ is an enthusiastic bunch, and we'll keep feeding off that energy."

The IRA National Championships take place in West Windsor, New Jersey and is set to begin June 2nd.

"This time of the season can be tough and grueling," said Weinard. "But we remember the team motto, 'God Bless the Work!' These guys have worked hard all year, but the year isn't over yet. A new goal, a new boat, a new opportunity. It's a good time to be a Dolphin."