Navy Rowers Mason Banks and Matthew Lexa Named to 2024 IRCA Athlete Watchlist

Navy Rowers Mason Banks and Matthew Lexa Named to 2024 IRCA Athlete Watchlist

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The Intercollegiate Rowing Coaches Association has recognized two standout rowers from the Navy rowing program, Mason Banks and Matthew Lexa, by naming them to the 2024 IRCA Athlete Watchlist. Banks, a member of the Navy lightweight program, and Lexa, a member of the Navy heavyweight team, were nominated by their coaches and selected by the IRCA Awards & Polling Committee for this prestigious honor.

Banks, a native of Westport, Connecticut, has been a key contributor to the Navy lightweight team in his first two seasons of collegiate racing. He has consistently raced with the first varsity eight in all 16 competitions, including prestigious events like the Eastern Sprints and IRA National Championship. Banks has already earned three medals for his team, including two silvers and a bronze. In the summer of 2023, Banks represented the United States at the Under-23 World Rowing Championship and won gold in the pairs event with teammate Jackson Fuller.

Lexa, hailing from Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, has also made a significant impact on the Navy heavyweight program. As a freshman, he competed in all eight competitions and continued to excel in his sophomore year, racing in all regular season and postseason contests. Lexa’s hard work and dedication paid off as he moved up to the first varsity eight for the IRA National Championship regatta.

Both Banks and Lexa will look to continue their success in the upcoming 2024 season. The Navy heavyweight team is scheduled to compete in the Occoquan Invitational this Sunday, while the lightweight team will host Harvard, Delaware, and Georgetown in upcoming contests.

Stay tuned to see these talented rowers in action as they strive for more success on the water.