WILMINGTON, Del. - The Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) announced the inductees for the 2025 Hall of Fame class. Former Nova Southeastern University head rowing coach John Gartin, who was inducted into the Sharks' Hall of Fame in 2019, is among the inductees and the recipient of the Trailblazer Award.

Per the CRCA, Gartin has made a profound impact on collegiate rowing through program building, competitive success, and national leadership. He founded the rowing program at Nova Southeastern University, leading the team to an NCAA Championship in the Varsity 4+ in 2009. He later helped the University of Oklahoma secure its first NCAA Championship berth as an assistant coach. After transitioning out of coaching and into academia, he remained an active force in the sport, stepping forward during the COVID shutdown to co-found the CRCA Sustainability Committee at a time when many programs faced elimination. His work was instrumental in preserving two varsity teams, University of Connecticut and Nova Southeastern, during one of the most precarious moments in collegiate rowing.

Beyond saving programs, John helped guide the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association into a new era. He drafted the proposal to create a full-time CRCA Executive Director role, and served as Executive Director himself, leading the CRCA's transformation into a more stable and professional organization. He continues to shape the CRCA's direction through his service on executive hiring committees.

Courtesy of the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association

NSU alumni had a lot to say after the announcement, including NSU Hall of Famer Nicki Brugler. "Coach John Gartin impacted far more than my rowing career. Over time, he became a trusted mentor and a true friend," Brugler said. "What I didn't realize then was that he created a space where I could grow with confidence, discipline, and purpose—lessons that have stayed with me long after my time in the boat. His ability to cultivate a healthy, competitive environment allowed every athlete the opportunity to grow, both on and off the water. This speaks to the depth of his dedication and the extraordinary coach he truly is."

The Sharks named Autumn Ayala as the new rowing head coach back on August 22, 2025 and will look to bring this positive momentum for the program into the season. To stay up-to-date on Sharks Rowing, be sure to follow on Instagram at NSU_WRowing and X at NSU_Rowing.