Mercyhurst University Attempts to Set World Records

MARCH 7, 2013


A local university is hoping to set two world records and raise funds for two great causes, as well as for the rowing team.
The Mercyhurst University Men's Rowing team has been training for months for the 24 hour long "EnduROWthon". They started rowing at 9 p.m. Thursday and will row until 9 p.m. Friday night.

There are two different records they are trying to break.

The men's team is rowing for one world record, and the second is a community row.
These 10 student athletes will attempt to beat the record for the greatest distance rowed by a lightweight men's small team on an indoor machine.
Team captain Adrian Spracklen says the team is very competitive and that they were looking for community interaction as well as to bring attention to the great sport of rowing. He says at the pace they were on early Friday morning, they are on track to beat the world record and set a new standard in rowing.

They're also inviting members of the public and other students to break the world record for most people rowing on an erg in 24 hours.
More than 400 people signed up for the community row and take turns on 3 minute rotations.

Most of the participants of the community row are student athletes, faculty and staff, but people from all over the community did stop in overnight and sign up. Our own Jessica Starr took part rowing, as well.
Funds raised will benefit the Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation and Project Kenya, a Mercyhurst effort to fund a high school education for a Kenyan girl.
Three seniors organized the EnduROWathon, including senior co-captain, Jeff Murt.