Grant Gwadz Shines as Empacher-IRCA All-American; Ten Terriers Honorably Recognized as Scholar-Athletes
BOSTON – A wave of recognition washed over Boston University as the Intercollegiate Rowing Coaches Association (IRCA) unveiled its prestigious 2025 end-of-year awards on June 18. Junior Grant Gwadz has been honored as a second-team member of the Empacher-IRCA All-American squad, while ten talented Terriers have proudly earned the title of Empacher-IRCA Scholar-Athlete.
Celebrating Academic and Athletic Excellence
The honor roll of scholar-athletes includes standout performers: Filippo de Marsanich, Ian Doud, Ethan Feldman, Wynant Hubbard, Jan Koska, Hannah Noguchi, Caleb Schwartz, Luke Stroh, Tucker Thomas, and Ian Varga. Their achievements underscore the importance of balancing academic rigor with athletic prowess.
Criteria for All-American Recognition
To be named an All-American, rowers and coxswains must meet stringent guidelines set forth by the IRCA, including:
- Adhering to all eligibility rules defined by their respective institutions.
- Competing in their team’s varsity boat during the spring racing season.
- Receiving a nomination from their institution, with the head coach in good standing with the IRCA.
Nominations are sifted through by the IRCA Board of Directors to determine placements within the "First Team," "Second Team," or "Honorable Mention." Selection is based upon:
- The strength of the institution’s varsity boat finish.
- Nomination rank within the institution.
- Coach’s comments, individual achievements, and erg score.
Scholar-Athlete Requirements
Achieving scholar-athlete status is no small feat. Candidates must fulfill these criteria:
- Be a member of an IRCA-affiliated school.
- Be in their second year or beyond of eligibility.
- Compete in their program’s top three boats during the current season or participate in the previous year’s IRA Championship.
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.50 through the fall semester.
Gwadz’s Stellar Season
Gwadz was a key figure in BU’s Varsity 8+ throughout the season, rotating through the six and bow seats before ultimately securing the critical seven seat for the Eastern Sprints and IRA National Championship Regatta. Notably, he was featured on the IRCA Athlete Watchlist, demonstrating his potential early on.
His performance was instrumental in the Terrier V8’s sweep at the Holy Cross Invite, where they showcased their dominance against tough competitors like Temple, Hobart, and Marist. Moreover, his contributions led to a memorable victory over Columbia, allowing the Terriers to reclaim the revitalized Lusins Cup.
Gwadz’s early success included a solid placement of 13th out of 30 crews at the Head of the Charles Regatta, clocking a time of 14:12.784 in the Championship 8+. This marks his second appearance in BU’s top boat at this prestigious event.
A Legacy of Achievement
Continuing a tradition of excellence, Gwadz is part of a legacy that has seen at least one Terrier recognized as an All-American over the past five years, with Jan Koska paving the way as last year’s Second Team honoree.
Boston University boasts consistent success, placing at least ten student-athletes on the IRA’s distinction list over the past five years. Noteworthy is the recognition of Doud, Feldman, Noguchi, Thomas, and Varga, all of whom have received scholar-athlete accolades for the second consecutive year. Feldman has notably garnered the IRA’s top scholastic honor for three seasons running, while De Marsanich, Hubbard, Koska, Schwartz, and Stroh celebrate their inaugural scholar-athlete awards.
Academic Success on the Water
The men’s rowing program excelled academically, achieving an impressive 3.35 GPA during the spring semester. On the water, BU finished 14th overall at the IRA Championship, with their Second and Third Varsity 8+ crews finishing an admirable 12th in the nation in their respective categories.
2025 Empacher-IRCA Scholar-Athletes
As we recognize these extraordinary achievements, it is paramount to acknowledge the hardworking individuals behind such accolades. The future of Boston University’s rowing program looks bright, as each athlete embodies a commitment to both sport and scholarship, ensuring that the spirit of competition and academic excellence thrives.
For further details on the awards and the athletes recognized, explore the official releases for the All-Americans and Scholar-Athletes.
