BUZZARDS BAY, Mass -- Earlier this week, it was announced by Director of Athletics Mike Kelley and head men's rowing coach John Edwards that the team will be joining the Intercollegiate Rowing Association. Joining the IRA gives the men's team opportunities to row at higher level and more prestigious regattas around the Northeast and beyond as well as offering the student-athletes more opportunities to be recognized for their performance on the water and in the classroom. 

"We are excited to be a member of the IRA for the first time as a crew," said head coach John Edwards. "Being a member gives us more exposure and a higher level of competition which in turn will allow us better recruitment opportunities and the ability to grow our program."

The Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) brings together institutions of higher education that compete at the highest levels of intercollegiate rowing in the United States. The IRA seeks, to organize, manage, and promote the sport of intercollegiate rowing, and to annually hold a postseason intercollegiate national rowing championship called the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) National Championships, that supports the highest level of competition among top intercollegiate heavyweight men's, lightweight men's and women's rowing teams, as defined by selection criteria.

The IRA National Championships have been held since 1895 and serve as the National Championship for men's heavyweight, men's lightweight and women's lightweight rowing.

The Buccaneer men's rowing team begins their Fall schedule on Sunday, October second at Head of the Riverfront in Connecticut.