OKLAHOMA CITY - Xavier Rowing started its 2026-27 campaign with a visit and a win in one of the most unique races in the world, the River Bowl Classic.
The Classic is the only race in the United States that is fully outfitted with stadium lighting and the only Black-led, Black-centered rowing event in the country.
In a sport in which Black representation tracks at about 2%, these events prove crucial to team and community building.
"When I attended my first regatta, I was shocked," senior rower Taylor Kentish said. "My teammates and I had been training together for months, but it never occurred to me just how little diversity existed in rowing. As we looked around, I realized we were the only all-Black team there.
"Most of the other teams had only one or two Black athletes, if any at all. Coming from the supportive environment of an HBCU, I suddenly felt small and out of place. Although I've learned to push through those feelings and focus on competing, they don't always disappear.
"The OKC River Bowl Classic was the complete opposite experience. For the first time, I was surrounded by Black rowers, coaches, families, and mentors who shared a common goal: building a stronger future for athletes who look like us. The sense of community was inspiring. Instead of feeling like an outsider, I felt like I belonged. One of the most meaningful parts of the weekend was getting the chance to talk with younger rowers. I encouraged them to stick with the sport, even when it feels uncomfortable or isolating. Representation matters, and seeing so many people invested in creating opportunities for the next generation reminded me why events like the River Bowl Classic are so important."
Community was on full display in the main event of the Classic, a 500-meter nighttime sprint among teams of eight (each with a coxswain). It was a race that Xavier won dominantly and in front of Miss Xavier Louisiana 2003, who lives in Oklahoma City and prayed with the team prior to cheering the Gold Nuggets on from the shore.
The Xavier group of Kentish (S), Margo Davis (4), Alana Sankey (3), Ashai Bryant (2), and Paige Walls (B), were joined by coxswain Mitch King (OKC Riversport), XULA Coach Tamara Clayton (7), Bravo of the OKC Warriors (6), and Jackson State alumnus Carlton Young (5).
For a more detailed story on the River Bowl Classic, and more on Coach Clayton's role as an ambassador for inclusion in rowing, visit the Allies with Oars Facebook page, where Rachel Freedman explains what made the XULA team so special.
Beyond the thrill of victory, the Classic also provided an excellent opportunity for the XULA rowers to improve their skills, as Oklahoma City is home to an Olympic training center, which the Xavier athletes utilized to the fullest.
The River Bowl Classic is sponsored by the OKC Black Alumni Coalition, which you can connect with on Instagram.
