University of Michigan Men's Rowing Team

10/05/2026

This past weekend we celebrated 50 years of Michigan Rowing.
Following the pairs matrix, alumni took to Argo Pond, filling five eights for a great row together. We were also honored to have founding member Robert Verbrugge and his sister Lois Verbrugge christen two new racing 4s: Salsa and Tango.
Thank you to every alumnus who came out to Ann Arbor to celebrate this milestone. We are so fortunate to have such a great community supporting Michigan Rowing. Here’s to the next 50!
Row Blue

10/03/2026

After a long morning of racing, our 2026 pairs matrix champions have been decided. On starboard we have Silas “Backpack” Lorenz, and on port we have Dan “The Clinician” Sirbu-making history as the team’s first-ever three-time champion!

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10/01/2026

2026 FALL RACING SCHEDULE

In just two weeks our athletes will be gearing up for full pressure fall racing.

09/25/2026

ONE WEEK UNTIL THE 50 YEARS OF MICHIGAN ROWING CELEBRATION. Still time to register. Links in comments.

The Official Athletic Site of the University of Michigan Men's Rowing Team.

09/19/2026

2 WEEKS UNTIL THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION. ALL ARE INVITED. Information and registration on on the website and linked below.

The Official Athletic Site of the University of Michigan Men's Rowing Team.

09/02/2026

Come find us at festifall!
We will be there from 3-7:30pm
INFO MEETING IN THE MICHIGAN LEAGUE
7:30-8:30pm
Come meet coaches and athletes!
Row Blue!

08/29/2026

Welcome to Ann Arbor Class of 2030

15 Time National Champions
4 Olympians
9 US national team members
3.6 Team GPA

If you’re looking to join a community of hard working student athletes and represent Michigan, this is your sign.

2/3 of our athletes have never rowed before college
Open Tryouts September 11th

Come to an Information Meeting to learn more

08/16/2026

Senior Shoutout #16
Ben Woodmansee
6’4 205lbs

It’s summer 2024, and I’m working in the microbiology lab at the Michigan Biological Station. I glance out the window, and what do I see but a man’s head floating back and forth, red hair ablaze in the sun, sweat pouring down his cheeks, a look of pure agony and grit etched on his features. Benjamin Woodmansee, a living legend rivaling American heroes like Paul Bunyan or John George Cook, was the first Michigan Rower I ever met and the perfect person to introduce and represent the team.

I think Woody truly embodies what it means to be a Michigan rower. No matter what, you could always count on Woody to push his hardest. From savvy 2F bow pair to gritty pair warrior, and eventually rusty 1V engine room, Woody’s storied career will live on in team memory. His grit and perseverance shone through when racing the Liumansee pair whilst sporting a broken rib, and then rebounding from a second broken rib to make the 2V. Through brutal summers of fieldwork, Woody got up with the sun and got the work done, washing his only uni in well water, in keeping with the ancient Greek teachings.

Woody is one of the most well rounded, multitalented people I’ve ever met. He’s the only person I know to have started his own club at Michigan. He’s the most Big Red resident ever, to the extent that some frosh thought the name was referring to Woody himself, and Multiple Michigan tennis players credit Woody for making the VTC “the most electric atmosphere in collegiate sports”.

As a person, Woody is kind, gleeful, and sincere. Simply put, he brings joy to those around him, making everyone’s day a little better with an enticing business proposal or a cereal club reel idea. And beneath a playful exterior, Woody sincerely cares for his teammates, keeping us accountable and holding us to a high standard.

While it saddens me to say that the South Quad dining may never ring out again with the peals of Woody’s laughter, I know he’s moving on to bigger and better things in his PhD program. Woody, don’t forget your roots when you’re rowing for a coasty “funded” team, and, as my old man always used to say, “never count a Woodmansee out”.
-Jasper

08/08/2026

Senior shoutout #15

Frederick Aldinger
6’4 205lbs

My first interaction with Freddy was during an open boathouse freshman year. I saw him, and my first thought was, “Woah, this is the largest guy I have ever seen.” For most of my freshman fall, I was honestly a little scared by him. Now that I actually know Freddy, I can confidently say he’s one of the greatest people I have the privilege of knowing, a true national treasure, and one of my closest friends on the team.

If I had to describe Freddy in one word, it would be grit. Freddy has national-team amounts of dock speed, so it’s no surprise his rowing career has been incredibly successful. As a freshman, he won gold in the 1F, and after that he spent the rest of his rowing career in either the 1V or 2V. He won this year’s anaerobic tournament and has earned both the Most Improved Novice and Varsity Man awards.

Freddy is extremely consistent. He’s one of the most determined and driven people I think I’ve ever met, and in all my time around him, I genuinely don’t think I’ve heard him complain. Whether it’s a hard workout, a seat race, or just steady state, Freddy shows up, puts his head down, and gets the job done. He’s level-headed, humble, dependable, and just a fantastic guy. He truly embodies the ideal traits of a Michigan Rower.

Honestly, I have so many good things to say about Freddy that I just could not fit in to 300 words. His character made writing this shoutout so incredibly easy because there is so much to appreciate about him. I feel so lucky I got to know him.

Freddy, we are going to miss you dearly. Thank you for being an incredible teammate and a great friend. The Mud won’t be the same without you
-JR

07/05/2026

Senior Shoutout #8
Lucas Allen
6’0
175lbs

Last year, the name Lucas Allen floated around the team like a myth-a legend of some sort. He was someone the upperclassmen talked about and would say, “Man, I wish he was still on the team.” I never thought I would really get to know him, but I’m so incredibly glad that Lucas decided to come back for his senior year.
Lucas and I were both injured for the majority of the year, so we got to spend a lot of time together. We set up the new speaker system, installed mirrors, fixed many ergs, and built a pretty dandy shelf. If you’ve ever been injured, you know it really sucks, but throughout the many months we spent watching practices and doing tasks, Lucas never had a negative attitude. No matter what, he always found a way to make the most of the situation.
Lucas is the kind of person who makes everyone feel welcome. He gives really good advice, he’s level headed, and he’s just a genuinely great guy. When I look back on this school year, some of my favorite memories on the team weren’t from the brief time I spent on the water. They were the pallets that I destroyed, the Pokémon Go walks during two-a-day practices, and the time I spent with Lucas.
I’m grateful I really got to know Lucas this year. Everything I heard about him was more than true, but what stood out to me even more than that was the kind of person he is. Lucas is humble, gritty, dependable, empathetic, and, all around, just an amazing dude who makes the team a better place.
Early in the fall, my mom asked me, “Who is this Lucas Allen guy?” After hearing me talk about him, she now knows him solely as “the GOAT,” and, to be honest, I don’t think I could describe him any better.
We’ll miss you, Lucas.