JACKSONVILLE, Fla. ---- The Jacksonville men's and women's rowing programs will host tryouts for novice rowers to walk-on to the teams. Each program has a rich history of bringing walk-ons and novice rowers as a key part of the team.

"The novice athletes are the foundation of our program," said Mike Lane, JU's Director of Rowing and head coach of the women's team.  "About 30% of our team last year was made up of past walk-ons, many of which have earned an athletic scholarship."

The walk-on process starts Tuesday, Aug. 19, with an informational meeting for both teams. The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on the second floor of the Negaard Rowing Center. There will be an initial presentation about the program as a whole, followed by breakout sessions for each team.

The actual tryout process will start Sept. 1. The tryouts will last 14 days, as athletes look to prove themselves and earn a spot on the roster. Prospective athletes will need to complete all compliance and medical packets ahead of the tryouts.

Both programs have a history of recent success. The women have won seven of the last 10 MAAC championships, and are looking for another conference crown this upcoming season. The men have set multiple program records in recent years, including a program-best finish in the 4+ at the Intercollegiate Rowing Association national championships last season.

On each squad, walk-ons play a key role in building the team and helping compete for these titles.

Many successful rowers started their careers as college walk-ons. Over a third of the US Rowing team at the 2024 Summer Olympics started their career as a walk-on. For JU and programs all across the country, there are great athletes finding the sport in college.

"I love the energy of the athletes who come in with the challenge of trying a new sport," Lane said. " Who knows, they could be an Olympian someday."