Syosset board gives blessing to pursue hybrid varsity arrangement for rowing club after parents, students make case

Dozens of parents, alumni and student-athletes urged the Syosset Central School District Board to grant varsity status to the Syosset Rowing Club, highlighting the sport’s growth, college-recruiting benefits and the program’s reliance on booster and community partnerships.

Speakers outlined the program’s expansion — including cited participation numbers (for example, one speaker said there were 42 high-school rowers in the fall season, 33 in the spring, and about 20 middle-schoolers during the year) — and explained cost barriers for families. Natalie Sarafian, a parent and program liaison, described a partnership with Oyster Bay Community Rowing that provides equipment and storage, and asked the board to consider varsity recognition to reduce out-of-pocket costs for families and to give student-athletes formal recognition on transcripts.

Senior captain Michael Maneshian described rowing as transformational, saying the sport ‘‘is not a sport to us, but a family’’ and noting college recruitment conversations he’s had with coaches at competitive schools.

Board members noted that rowing is not recognized as a varsity sport by Section 8 (the Nassau County section of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association), which complicates parity with other sports. Trustees discussed options used by nearby districts: some treat crew as varsity for local recognition while relying on booster clubs and outside partners for equipment and some season expenses. Several board members voiced support for a hybrid model that would provide district support for scholastic (fall and spring) seasons and coaching stipends consistent with other district sports while allowing boosters and OBCR to cover other expenses.

The board did not adopt a formal resolution at the meeting. Instead, trustees gave their ‘‘blessing’’ to pursue next steps: administration will consult with district attorneys, the rowing club, and partner organizations to craft a mutually agreeable hybrid arrangement and return with options.

Key clarifications the board sought include whether coaches meet New York State certification and fingerprinting requirements, what district expenses would be capped, and how transportation and championship travel would be handled in parity with other teams.

Next steps: the administration will begin discussions with attorneys and stakeholders and report back to the board with options for district recognition and an implementation plan.