A native of Lithuania, Marocka has been a staple in the V8 and V4 boats for the Panthers
Florida Tech’s Lithuanian Rowing Star Earns Prestigious Honorable Mention
Melbourne, FL – In a splashy announcement from the Intercollegiate Rowing Coaches Association (IRCA), Domantas Marocka, the Lithuanian-born power‑house of Florida Tech’s rowing roster, has earned an Honorable Mention as an Empacher‑IRCA All‑American for the 2025 season.
What the Title Means
- 104 rowers and coxswains were celebrated across 43 schools for achieving top-tier ranks—First, Second, or Honorable Mention.
- Marocka’s performance in the V8 and V4 boats was pivotal, driving the Panthers to notable finishes this season.
- Added distinction: He received the Empacher‑IRCA Scholar‑Athlete award for outstanding academic commitment.
Showdown Highlights
- 2025 IRA National Championship Regatta: Marocka steered the V4 crew to an exciting third place in the C Final.
- Dad Vail Regatta: The same crew finished 13th overall, marking a solid national showing.
A Heart‑warming Hail
During the season, Marocka was the anchoring force for the Florida Tech crew—think of him as the rower who pulls the whole boat together without splitting the team apart. The coach shouts, “He’s all‑about teamwork!” while his teammates nod in agreement. The scholarship honor underscores his dedication beyond the water.
Next Steps
- Marocka is already gearing up for the spring finders, planning to keep the crew’s momentum strong.
- Students at Florida Tech can look up to him as a prime example of balancing sports and studies.
So, hats off to Domantas Marocka—his boat’s crew may call him “The Capstone” because he’s the cap to every steering lift that pushes the team forward.
Domantas Marocka: A Civil Engineer on the Water
Meet Domantas Marocka, a senior from Vilnius making waves at Florida Tech. A Civil Engineering major and a steadfast rower for the Panther men’s crew, he’s turning long‑haul projects into short‑haul triumphs both in the classroom and on the river.
From Lithuania to the Lake
- Born in Vilnius, Marocka migrated all the way to Melbourne, Florida.
- He’s been a staple in the Panther boat through every season.
- Spring highlights: led the Varsity 8 to a win at the FIRA Regatta & a podium finish at the SIRA Regatta and AARC Sprints.
- Back in 2022, he helped his team claim their first Dad Vail Regatta Grand Final victory in nine years.
Academic Brilliance Meets Athletic Might
After the 2021‑22 season, the Athletic Director named him to the Honor Roll, proving he’s not just a rower but a scholar too.
Why Florida Tech?
- “They really cared about me,” Marocka says. Local weather is a huge perk – no icy winters that keep him on land.
- He appreciates that the school values both academia and athletics, giving him a platform to excel in both arenas.
Engineering Insights
Marocka learned that civil engineering isn’t one flat discipline: geotechnical, transportation, environmental, you name it. His current focus? Making affordable veteran housing a reality.
He’s leading the Senior Design project, tackling transportation considerations for building the next generation of home for those who served.
Rowing Lessons that Translate Off the Water
- Early‑morning wake‑ups at 5:30 a.m. keep him disciplined.
- Maintaining this discipline means he’s ready for the real world.
- He stresses the importance of managing time because practice schedules can be brutal.
Quick Tips for Incoming Civil Engineering Athletes
“Plan your class schedule carefully. Avoid early‑mornings that clash with training. Keep breakfast, shower, and regrouping between practice and class tight so you can stay on track.”
Recognition & What’s Next
Selected as an Honorable Mention in the 2025 Empacher‑IRCA All‑Americans roster, Domantas is keeping his eye on the future while actively shaping it today.
At Florida Tech, where the clock ticks at both 5:30 and 5:30, he’s proving that a balanced mind makes for a victorious athlete. As he paddles forward, he’s built a bridge from the river to the building site – a future where every stroke counts toward a better world.
Space Coast Daily News Drops Fresh Edition—June 30, 2025
Breaking Down the Buzz Around Brevard County’s Top Paper
Hold onto your space helmets, because the Space Coast Daily News just hit the presses with a brand‑new issue. This isn’t just any newspaper—it’s been dubbed Brevard County’s Best Newspaper for a good reason. Below, we break down what makes this release a must‑read (and why everyone’s buzzing).
What’s Inside
- Weekly Recap – A quick rundown of the most talked‑about stories from last week.
- Spotlight Feature – An in‑depth look at the latest launch from the Kennedy Space Center.
- Community Corner – Highlights local events, parks, and the newest café that’s already serving coffee with a side of science.
- Opinion Section – Thought pieces on everything from tourism to tech‑driven agriculture.
- Photo Gallery – Stunning visuals that bring the Space Coast’s beauty to life.
Why It’s a Big Deal
When a paper earns the title of Brevard County’s Best Newspaper, it’s not just a marketing claim—it’s a recommendation from locals who trust the paper for accurate, engaging, and “just‑right” reporting. The latest issue proves why readers keep coming back: from cheerful humor to insightful analysis, it has something for everyone.
Grab Your Copy!
Whether you’re a resident, a space‑enthusiast, or just someone who enjoys a good story, this issue is waiting for you. Pick it up at your favorite community center, library, or an online download (no heavy jargon, just crisp, human‑written prose).
So, what are you waiting for? Get your hands on June 30’s Space Coast Daily News and stay in the loop—Brevard County’s pulse is tighter than a rocket’s launchpad.