USFSM wants you to stroke a check for the rowing team

With hopes of raising $1 million by 2020 to fund an NCAA Division I women’s rowing team, University of South Florida athletics and USF Sarasota-Manatee are turning to the internet for help.

The school recently launched an online “Herdfunder” campaign with the goal of raising $10,000 by Aug. 24, encouraging donors to give anywhere from $25 to $5,000. The money will go toward establishing a women’s rowing team at the Sarasota-Manatee campus. The funds will pay for coaches, equipment and entry in regattas, according to a press release from the university.

The NCAA approved the team as the regional school’s first Division I sports team last fall, with the stipulation that the school raise the money necessary to start the program. The World Rowing Championships will be held Sept. 24-Oct. 1 at Nathan Benderson Park this fall.

“What a wonderful initiative to support,” longtime USFSM supporter Dr. Anila Jain said. “The Sarasota-Manatee community is such an important area for rowing and competitive events with athletes coming here from all over the USA and worldwide.”

As of Thursday, the site had raised $225. To give, visit usffdn.usf.edu/herdfunder/222/

This story was originally published July 6, 2017 at 11:03 AM with the headline "USFSM wants you to stroke a check for the rowing team."