Due to the cancellation of the spring sports season, members of the Class of 2020 missed out on their own special Senior Day experience.  In light of that, are spotlighting them here on SJUHawks.com.

Senior Spotlight: Justin Hawkins, Men's Rowing
Hawkins, a four-year letterwinner from St. Louis, Missouri, joined the Hawks in 2016-17 and was a member of the Dad Vail Regatta champion Third Varsity 8 as a freshman. Rowing for the Varsity 8 the past three seasons, he helped the Hawks to numerous titles including the Bergen Cup, the Kerr Cup and the Murphy Cup, and competed at the IRA National Championship Regatta.

What is your favorite Saint Joseph's rowing memory?
Every year at the end of February, we go through a week called 'erg week.' It's honestly one of the hardest weeks of the year, designed by our coaches to force us to our physical and mental limitations. That being said, we always finish the week with one specific piece, the 5x5. Another miserable workout, but when we are finished with the workout erg week is officially over. SJU Men's rowing has a tradition of playing "My Way" by Frank Sinatra after the Friday 5x5. That moment as a team, when the song is playing and everybody is realizing what was just accomplished, will always be a favorite memory of mine. 

How would you like to be remembered as a member of the Saint Joseph's rowing team?
As a strong, but relatable leader. Someone who could be looked to for inspiration and determination. 

What has being a member of the Saint Joseph's rowing program taught you?
Definitely discipline. The multiple practices per day, including our early morning shifts really forces you to organize and stick to a set schedule. What you eat, when you sleep, and how ahead on your class work you were were always in the back of my mind. All of those really taught me discipline. 

What will you take out of your involvement with the Saint Joseph's rowing program moving forward?
One of the things that's been especially on my mind when looking for jobs, is the culture of who you surround yourself with. I am still undecided with what I really want to do with my career moving forward, but I am absolutely sure I am looking for the same team environment that I had with SJU men's rowing. 

Who that you have played with at SJU fits the following categories? 
• Best dancer: I'd honestly have to give that one to myself and Patrick Ganter. People who were at my sophomore year formal would understand, haha. 
• Best dressed: Devin Swech. Always had some dope clothes.
• Favorite Song: I don't know what a shooting song is, but Kjel (Schlemmer) introduced "Set Me Free" by Diplo to me during an erg piece. Definitely one of my favorites.
• Your go-to celebration: Absolutely has to be throwing the coxswains into the river. If you win a race, coxswains go in the drink. It's tradition.

Follow the Saint Joseph's men's rowing team on Twitter and Instagram, and like the Hawks on Facebook.