– Rowing has officially become the 22nd sport sponsored by the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the 13th women’s sport designated for an SEC Championship, following a unanimous vote by athletics directors.
– Announcement made on August 23, 2024, from Birmingham, Alabama.
– Currently, four SEC schools, Alabama, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas, sponsor rowing.
– SEC Bylaws allow for a championship if at least 25% of conference members support the sport.
– SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey expressed excitement about integrating Oklahoma and Texas, enhancing championship experiences for student-athletes.
– The inaugural SEC Rowing Championship is scheduled for May 2025, with the location yet to be determined.
– Previously, Alabama and Tennessee rowing teams competed in Big 12 championships since 2014-15 after transitioning from Conference USA.