WINDSOR, N.J. (EMUEagles.com) -- Eastern Michigan University's rowing head coach Kemp Savage was named Man of the Year by USRowing, the organization announced Friday, April 3.
In 2025, Savage worked closely with Eastern Michigan University and Mid-American Conference (MAC) leadership to finalize the addition of rowing as a conference sport. This expansion increased the number of NCAA automatic qualifying bids to ten and established Eastern Michigan as the host site for the first three MAC Rowing Championships beginning in 2026. He also collaborated with athletic administration to add women's lightweight rowing as the university's 18th varsity sport, expanding opportunities for female collegiate rowers during a time when many programs are facing reductions due to the evolving NIL landscape.
"I want to thank the USRowing Board for this incredible honor," Savage said. "My goal has always been to give back to rowing everything it has given me, and this recognition reassures me that I'm on the right path."
"I would not have been able to accomplish all that we did this past year without the team around me. I'm especially grateful to the Eastern Michigan University administration, the Ann Arbor Sports Commission, the Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest, and Ypsilanti Township for believing in the vision for the course and supporting the hosting of these major events."
"I'd also like to thank Sarah, Tom, and Brett from USRowing for being outstanding partners throughout the process. To my coaching staff, my EMU team, and the World University Games team—thank you for your commitment and trust. I'm especially grateful to Gregg Hartsuff for introducing me to international coaching, and to my right hand, Delaney McGuire."
"Most importantly, thank you to my family—especially my wife Kellie and my son KJ. They've supported me every step of the way, encouraged me to think big, and stood behind every one of those ideas."
In April 2025, Savage was elected President of the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA). In this role, he has chaired the Executive Director Search Committee and successfully led the hiring of a new Executive Director in August 2025. He has also served as Chair of the CRCA Sustainability Committee and as a member of the legislative committee, contributing to governance efforts, including bylaw restructuring to reflect ongoing NCAA conference realignment and ensure balanced representation across divisions.
Savage has also been instrumental in the development and operation of the Ford Lake rowing course in Ypsilanti, serving as a key logistical leader and liaison among stakeholders. He has helped establish the venue as a site for collegiate, national, and international competition while fostering strong partnerships between the university and the local community.
In summer 2025, the Ford Lake course hosted its first national and international events, including RowFest and the International Rowing Challenge. Savage served as the local organizing committee (LOC) liaison, coordinating closely with USRowing and international officials to ensure the successful execution of racing across multiple days of competition.
That same summer, Eastern Michigan hosted two USRowing National Team camps. Savage served as Head Coach of the U.S. World University Women's Team, leading the eight and four at the World University Games in Duisburg, Germany, where the eight earned a bronze medal—his third international coaching medal. He also served as LOC Chair for the U19 Selection Development Camp, overseeing site logistics, equipment, and athlete support.
Savage handled these responsibilities simultaneously—international coaching, national team hosting, major event execution, and national organizational leadership—demonstrating strong organizational skills, leadership, and a commitment to the growth of rowing.
Complete list of USRowing honors:
Anita DeFrantz Medal of Honor: Bill McNabb
