JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --- The Jacksonville Dolphins men's rowing program hired former JU rower Hugo Parks as a graduate assistant for the upcoming year. Parks rowed for the Dolphins from 2021 till last season.

"I am excited to welcome Hugo Parks back to JU Men's Rowing as our new Graduate Assistant Coach. Hugo has been a very dedicated JU rower, and represented the team very well as a student-athlete," head coach Preston Weinard said. "I'm looking forward to seeing Hugo bring his skills, enthusiasm and work ethic back to our squad in a new role."

Parks was a key part of the rowing program the last four years. In his senior season, he was a regular feature in the second varsity 8+ crew. He raced in multiple big events this past year, including at the Dad Vail Regatta. 

In addition to his college rowing experience, he's competed in and won multiple championships in his native Peru. He graduated from Jacksonville with a degree in Sports Business.

Parks will stay at JU now in a staff role as he helps the program after a successful 2025 competition season.

The Dolphins made program history a year ago when they placed ninth in the 4+ at the Intercollegiate Rowing Association national championships. Jacksonville also had two rowers, Ole Gruenert and John Even Loftesnes, named IRCA All-Americans this past season.