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Barry University’s Proclamation

Barry University’s Proclamation of Appreciation by City of Miami Beach
by Gregg Fields. February 5th, 2016 at MBRC

Florida is a state that celebrates its winning collegiate sports programs, but typically the accolades go to big-time football or basketball programs.

But recently joining that elite echelon of excellence is Barry University, whose women’s rowing program has taken home the gold in national competitions and is drawing the kind of praise that has historically been given to Seminoles, Hurricanes or Gators.

Under Coach Boban Rankovic, the Buccaneers nabbed the 2015 NCAA Division II national championship, an accomplishment that was complemented by a number of conference honors. The winning streak is continuing, with Barry regularly medaling at Boston’s prestigious Head of the Charles regatta held every October. Spring collegiate racing season is just around the corner.

On Friday, Feb. 5, the team received another honor when it was given a proclamation of appreciation by the city of Miami Beach. Although their campus is in Miami Shores, the Barry teams train just across the 79th St. Causeway, at the Miami Beach Rowing Club, which is housed at the Ronald W. Shane Watersports Center at 6500 Indian Creek Drive.

“We couldn’t be more proud of the team and happier to have Barry call this facility home,” said Ron Shane, the center’s namesake and longtime benefactor.

Presenting the proclamation was Miami Beach Commissioner Joy Malakoff. She awarded it to Rankovic, a former member of the national rowing team in his native Serbia, as well as to Lindsay Shoop, the assistant coach whose accomplishments include being on the U.S. women’s eight-rower boat that took gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

“We are extremely grateful to the city of Miami Beach and the Shane Watersports Center for this honor,” Rankovic said. “It’s no exaggeration to say the city, its beautiful waters and the Shane Center are partners in our success.”