Erie, PA-Mercyhurst's longtime Director of Rowing, Adrian Spracklen, has announced his departure from Mercyhurst University, having accepted a head coaching position at Duke University.  

Spracklen, a native of Marlow, England, has been the Head Women's Rowing Coach since 1992 and the Men's Head Coach since 1998, a tenure highlighted by three National Championships. Not only has he spent a large portion of his professional career as a Laker, but he also graduated from Mercyhurst in 1990 with a bachelor's degree in Sport Medicine before earning his Master's in Sport Medicine/Athletic Training from Western Michigan University in 1991. 

Director of Athletics, Joe Spano, stated: "I can't express in words how happy and proud I am for Adrian and his family.  I am thankful to Duke University for recognizing his talent and for giving him this opportunity. I want to thank Adrian on behalf of the athletic department and the Mercyhurst community, as he is a legendary coach who has impacted the lives of hundreds of student-athletes and colleagues for over 3 decades.  Adrian has been a friend and a mentor to me personally for over 25 years, he will be missed, but we will be rooting for him and the Duke rowing team for years to come." 

Spracklen started sculling at the age of eight under the direction of his legendary father, Mike Spracklen. Adrian has found success both as an athlete on the British National Team, and as a coach, earning DII National Coach of the Year honors in 2004, 2009, 2010, and 2022. 

Now taking his talents to Durham, NC, Spracklen leaves a legacy at Mercyhurst which features successes in both Men's and Women's Rowing. 

The Lakers women's rowing team has competed at the NCAA Division II National Championship from 2002-2005 and again from 2008-2018, along with 2020, 2022 and 2024. Highlights of those appearances resulted in the program winning three NCAA championships in 2004, 2010, and 2022. From those crews, there have been 24 First Team All-Americans. Mercyhurst was also the national runner-up in 2005, 2009, 2011, 2015, 2020, and 2024. The women's varsity eight has also won four consecutive Dad Vail titles between 2009 and 2012 while adding another in 2023. 

The Men's team has been equally as successful, winning eight Dad Vail trophies in the last 10 years. From 2010 to 2012, men's lightweight eight won three consecutive Dad Vail Championships, a first for a varsity eight at Mercyhurst.   

In addition to his guidance within the Rowing program, Spracklen has also been a key asset to athletic administration. Acting as part of the Senior Staff, his leadership and insight benefited the whole department. 

"We are incredibly proud of Coach Spracklen and all that he has achieved at Mercyhurst during the past three decades; his legacy will continue to inspire our rowers for years to come," said Dr. Laura Zirkle, vice president for Student Life & Athletics. "We are saddened to see Adrian leave Mercyhurst, but we are thrilled for the exciting new role he will assume at Duke as head coach for the women's rowing team. It is a reminder to all of us that hard work and passion open doors to incredible opportunities. We were very lucky to have Adrian as our coach and now Duke is very lucky to have a coach of his caliber and integrity.  We wish the entire Spracklen family the best of luck in this new chapter of their lives." 

Putting a bow on an incredible display of leadership and coaching at Mercyhurst, Spracklen expresses that: 

"This program has been more than just a job to me; it has been my life. From the moment I stepped foot on campus as a student to meeting my wife and raising a family, Mercyhurst Rowing has shaped me in profound ways. Over the course of my career, I have had the privilege of witnessing the growth and success of countless exceptional young men and women who have passed through our program. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together, from our triumphs at the NCAA championships to our memorable participation in the Henley Royal Regatta." 

The traditions and processes put into place for over 30 years have fostered continuous development and opportunities for success for Mercyhurst Rowing.  

Thankful for the time and dedication Adrian has given the program and the department, Mercyhurst will now focus on continuing his successes in years to come.  

Thank you, Adrian!