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"Here is me and my black teammates. We are roses amongst a field of daisies. We stand out in a positive way. We are a valued part of the team. I'm grateful for this group and I can't wait to see it grow."
The Black Coxswain March 8, 2023
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My name is Corin Wiggins and I am a trailblazer in amplifying the voices of people of color in rowing. As someone who didn't fit the stereotype of a competitive athlete in this sport...
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ATHLETE OF THE MONTH
J. Stone Walker, a freshman on the Columbia University lightweight rowing team, is believed to be the first African American to win a gold medal at the IRA Championship Regatta. On June 5, 2022, the Columbia Lightweight 8+ won the third championship in the team’s last five IRA appearances. Standing at 6’4, Walker rowed in 3-seat during the 119th annual race.
The scholar-athlete graduated from St. Albans School for Boys in 2021. Prior to rowing, Walker experienced success in football, basketball, track and lacrosse. St. Albans Head Rowing Coach Ted Haley encouraged him to try out for the rowing team his freshman year. Walker was not particularly enthusiastic about the idea because none of his close friends at the time were rowing. At his father’s insistence, Walker tried out and made the cut. He fell in love with the sport and increasingly focused on rowing during high school
Walker was the only Columbia freshman in the Varsity 8+ in 2022, and he is one of five Columbia athletes to ever win IRAs as a freshman. Remarkably, Walker started the season in the 2nd Varsity 8 and was moved to the Varsity 8+ halfway through the season. He credits the tutelage and guidance of Head Coach Nich Lee Parker and former Assistant Coach Andrew J. Hess for his collegiate success.