SELINSGROVE, PA – Susquehanna University Director of Athletics Sharief Hashim has announced Erik King as the university's new Head Club Rowing Coach. King brings to Susquehanna over 30 years of experience in training and mentoring athletes, developing rowing programs, and achieving exceptional team results.

"We're excited to welcome Coach King to Susquehanna University," related Hashim. "His experience and passion for development will be an asset to our storied program."

For 30 years King was the founding member and board member of the revitalized Nereid Boat Club, based out of Rutherford, NJ on the Passaic River. In the early 1900's the Passaic River was home to more than nine rowing clubs, including the original Nereid Boat Club founded in 1868 out of Belleville, and home of the annual Passaic River Amateur Rowing Association Regatta. By 1993 there were only three high school teams rowing on the Passaic River, including King's alma mater Belleville High School, and the Nereid Boat Club had been inactive for 30 years. King took steps to restore the club to offer more opportunities to youth and master's level rowing.

King, who served as Belleville High School's rowing coach from 1992 to 1994 and whose father was a member of the original Nereid, set his sights on the abandoned Rutherford Yacht Club as the new home of the Nereid Boat Club. The restoration effort was supported by leaders of the Passaic River Coalition and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Green Acres funds. The old boat house was successfully restored and the Nereid Boat Club regained residence and credibility.

Today the Nereid Boat Club is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the healthy sport of rowing, boasting more than 100 members, including masters, middle and high school rowers and two varsity rowing programs. It is a member of the United States Rowing Association and the Passaic River Coalition.

King and his wife Cheryl moved to the area last year, residing in Danville alongside their new aquatic home, the Susquehanna River. He is also a member of the Central Pennsylvania Rowing Association.

Students interested in competing in club rowing can access the recruit form by CLICKING HERE.