MARIETTA, Ohio – The Marietta College men's rowing team had five student-athletes named Empacher-Intercollegiate Rowing Coaches Association Scholar Athletes for 2026. Senior Zach Kirla (Deep River, Conn./Valley Regional) and juniors Kyle Rucker (Dublin, Ohio/Dublin Coffman), Nicolas Invernizzi (Lambare, Paraguay/Colegio Cristo Rey), Nikolas Passarella (Leesburg, Va./Riverside), and Nicholas Pachete (Monroeville, Pa./Pittsburgh Central Catholic) were honored for the second consecutive season for their successes during the season and also in the classroom.
 
Marietta Men's Rowing head coach Greg Myhr expressed his pride in the team, stating, "It's great to get some recognition on the national stage for some of our specific athletes here at Marietta." He noted that the success stems from a team-wide commitment, adding, "Our entire squad has made a lifestyle of going above and beyond - in the classroom as well as at the boathouse."
 
In order to be named a scholar athlete, rowers and coxswains must have competed in their program's top three boats during the current season and must have, at least, a 3.50 cumulative GPA through fall semester.  Kirla finished the school year with a 3.75 GPA. Rucker received a cumulative GPA of 3.67.  Invernizzi collected a 3.53 GPA for the year.  Passarella earned a cumulative 3.58 GPA.  Pachete earned a perfect 4.0 GPA for the season.
 
"Our five scholar-athletes - Zach, Nico, Nick, Nik, and Kyle truly embody what I consider to be our prototypical Marietta College oarsman," said Myhr.  "They came here for the combination of academic excellence, athletic opportunity, and reasonable price - and they are making the most of their time here.  When they are done here, I have no doubt these men will continue to make Marietta proud with all of their future endeavors."
 
Established in 2020, the IRCA focuses on the "promotion, preservation, and continued growth of the coaching profession and men's collegiate rowing in the United States." In a recent update, the organization shared its gratitude for the ongoing sponsorship from Emptier Bootswerft, which continues to support both the All Americans and Scholar Athletes.
 
Fans can follow all the Pioneer teams all year long at pioneers.marietta.edu. You can also follow the Pioneers on Facebook at facebook.com/MariettaCollege and @MariettaPioneer on X and Instagram.