I have spent the better part of my 45-year career in higher education teaching and researching the social, educational and behavioral consequences for high school students who participate in interscholastic sports programs. An overall summary of these many findings shows that both male and female athletes who participate in sports experience a host of positive consequences that touch on many aspects of their personal lives, e.g., grades, friendship, self-esteem, sexual behavior, seatbelt use, popularity, and staying out of trouble.
On the other hand, not all high school students are skilled, motivated and/or interested in challenging themselves in sports that involve hitting, kicking, throwing or catching a ball. Luckily, there are several other sports that offer the possibility of experiencing these same positive outcomes, e.g., cross country running, downhill skiing, archery, track and field, gymnastics, swimming, wrestling and fencing. That is why I have taken a special interest in the current debate surrounding the sport of rowing (crew) that is currently being waged in the Village of Brockport. A close inspection of the sport shows that it has the potential to provide the same positive benefits to its participants, e.g., self-esteem enhancement, leadership training, improved physical fitness, making friends, dealing with personal challenges, and setting attainable goals. Perhaps most importantly, no prior knowledge, experience or skill are needed to be successful.
hat is why I strongly recommend that we follow the lead of Marleen Cain, President of the newly formed Brockport Community Rowing (crew) and do everything we can to support her organization as they launch their inaugural 2025 season. Although strictly a speculation on my part, there are reasons to believe that in time, both the Athletic Director for intercollegiate athletics at SUNY Brockport and the Director of Athletics for Brockport High School will consider adding the sport to their respective programs.
Let’s put aside the rancor, distrust and misinformation and recognize the incredible value the sport offers its participants and the Village, and support Brockport Community Rowing in any way we can. Looking towards the future, imagine the fun, excitement, notoriety, and commercial impact a two-day regatta involving six local high schools would engender. Of course nothing is stopping anyone of us from grabbing an oar, taking one of the eight seats and waiting for the coxswain’s command – “Row.”
Dr. Merrill Melnick, Professor Emeritus
Department of Kinesiology,
Sport Studies and Physical Education,
SUNY Brockport
