Roberson senior Jake Brock has signed to row in college for Jacksonville (Fla.).
Jake Brock never once considered his place in history when he took up rowing five years ago.
Brock has no choice now — the Roberson senior is believed to be the sport’s first-ever male college recruit in Western North Carolina.
The Asheville Youth Rowing Association held a signing ceremony Wednesday in its Jack Gartner Boathouse. Brock, who is a 6-foot-6 crew captain for AYRA, has decided to continue his career at Jacksonville (Fla.).
Brock chose the Dolphins over Embry-Riddle (Fla.), Florida Tech and Liberty. He plans to pursue a degree in aviation.
“I just love the overall commitment that goes into rowing,” Brock said.
“The respect and teamwork that you have to have to be successful are really things I’ve never seen before (with any other sports).”
Brock rows or trains for it year-around. The AYRA is an eight-year program that has about 72 athletes at this point.
This is the fifth consecutive year that the AYRA has had multiple college signings. Two more seniors from Roberson, Abby Hudspeth and Caleigh Sewell, signed with the North Carolina women’s program last fall.
More on this story to come…
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