DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The shift in focus and improvement in eights this past season has led the Intercollegiate Rowing Coaches Association to name Embry-Riddle men's rowing its Comeback Team of the Year. It's the first time the program has received the accolade. The honor is handed out annually to the team that has shown significant improvement with its perseverance, determination and dedication.
 
"The men have made massive strides this year," Head Coach Grant Maddock said. The varsity program is only six years old, and we're now competing against some of the most storied teams in the country in the eight. Prior to this year, we had strictly raced the four, and now we're putting out eights that have won at the Head of the Schuylkill, finished third at the Knecht Cup, and were the overall men's champion at FIRA. Next year, we intent to make a run for an IRA qualification spot."
 
The men saw immense success in 2023-24, capturing just the second state title in program history along with seven golds, three silvers, and a bronze medal. It was the most gold medals won in a single year in the history of the program. ERAU's Freshman/Novice Eight boat claimed victory in the program's first appearance at the Head of the Schuylkill. Then at the FIRA Championships, the Eagles swept the Freshman/Novice and JV races and also won in doubles. A few weeks later, the Blue and Gold Second Varsity Eight shell placed third at the Knecht Cup.