Celebrating Native American Heritage Month: Meet Spencer Crum

Spencer Crum is a collegiate rower from Norman, Oklahoma, currently studying and competing at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York. 

What is the most meaningful aspect of rowing to you? 

The most meaningful aspect is being able to be in a competitive environment, which promotes growth in myself and others around me. 

What role has Rowing in Color played on the impact of the rowing community? 

Rowing in Color has raised awareness of minority participation within the rowing community and promotes equality through the sport. 

What has been your favorite event to race in and why?  

Winning the freshmen eight at Head of the Schuylkill this year was pretty mind-blowing.  

What do you wish people in your boathouse understood more about you or your culture? 

I feel like they understand me and my background pretty well. My teammates all respect me.  

The theme for 2024 Native American Heritage Month is Affirming Native Voices: Visibility, Leadership, Service. What do those three words mean to you? 

For visibility, I think about the missing Native women throughout the United States and how their story needs to be told. For leadership, I think about the young Native men and women who are moving up in the world. To me, service is about the actions you take to better the world around you. 

What is the next goal for your rowing career? 

My next goal is to continue fostering my speed and my team's speed.