The Trojan Navy added almost a dozen new recruits to its roster in January. While most rowing programs struggle to keep students rowing after the holiday break, this has not been the case for this year’s squad at USC.

“The squad is the biggest in years,” said co-captain Danny Friedman. “Coach recognized last September that a big challenge we faced this year would be to get some depth of talent into the program and we are succeeding,” he said.

Freshman coach Brooks Jones reports that while there was some attrition in the freshman ranks it was minor and the new recruits have beefed up the program.

“Almost half of the walk-ons this semester are 6’ 2” or taller and quite athletic,” said Jones. Unlike east coast programs, which have to worry about their water freezing in winter, Jones points out there is still enough time to teach the new recruits the rowing technique they will need to be ready to race by the first regattas in late March.

The varsity squad benefitted from a new arrival too in January. Josh Welty, a 6’3” junior, has returned to the Trojan Navy and replaces Ian Topic in the varsity crew.