Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Athletics

2023 IRCA Scholar Athlete

Three Men’s Rowers Earn Empacher-IRCA Scholar Athlete Honors

| By: Kyrin Mayfield | @k_mayfield97
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Three Embry-Riddle men's rowers were tabbed as Empacher-Intercollegiate Rowing Coaches Association Scholar Athletes, the organization announced on Tuesday. Blake Paynter and Ognjen Srbinovic received the academic distinction for the first time in their careers while Vaclav Kuncak was included for the second time in three years.

To be eligible, rowers and coxswains must be at least in their second year of eligibility, have competed in the program's top three boats during the current season, and have at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA through the fall semester.

Making his second career appearance on the list, Kuncak had a productive 2022-23 season. Over thirteen races, the senior tallied five wins as well as a gold and silver medal. Kuncak aided the Eagles' Varsity 4 boat to a second-place showing at the FIRA Championships on April 1. Two weeks later, he helped that same boat defend its 2022 title at the SIRA Championships by edging Texas by just over one one-hundredth of a second. 

At the end of the 2023 spring semester, Kuncak possessed a 3.87 cumulative GPA in Aerospace Engineering.

Paynter witnessed a lot of action this past season, appearing in 14 races, tied for the most on the team. He competed in the same boat as Kuncak that won at SIRA and placed second at FIRA. 

The sophomore is majoring in Aviation Business Administration and holds a 3.94 cumulative GPA.

Srbinovic began the season with a fourth-place result alongside Kuncak and Paynter at the Head of the Charles in Fours. He then transitioned to eights in the spring, helping the Eagles defeat Rollins in a dual. The sophomore's last outing came at the FIRA Championships where he assisted ERAU in claiming a silver medal in Fours 'B'.

Srbinovic sits at a 3.67 cumulative GPA in Aviation Business Administration.
 
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