Rowers Honored By CRCA

May 30, 2009

IOWA CITY – The Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association has announced the 2009 Division I all-Region award and National Scholar Athlete recipients. Ten Hawkeye rowers were honored, while senior Kristin Kelly was a recipient of both awards.

Sophomore Jessica Novack was named to the all-Central Region first team while Kelly was given all-Central Region second team honors.

These awards recognize exceptional performances from rowers and coxswains from each of the five regions. Nominated student-athletes are evaluated on the strength of their team’s regional finish, coaches’ recommendations and a 2,000-meter erg score. Nominees must have also competed in 75 percent of races this season.

The all-region athletes will be eligible for all-America award selection, following the NCAA Rowing Championships, May 29-31.

Joining Kelly as National Scholar Athletes are sophomores, Anna Kolden, Haylie Miller and Heidie Miller, juniors Annette Allard, Emily Katalinich, Katie Ouellette and Emily Vinson and senior Melissa Wordelman. These student-athletes have participated in 75 percent of races this season while maintaining a 3.5 cumulative GPA or higher for their career.

“I’m proud of these student-athletes and their accomplishments,” said Head Coach Mandi Kowal. “They have done a nice job this year, and to see them rewarded is great, particularly the National Scholar Athletes.”

On a team that is ranked 17th in the country, Iowa rowers have found just as much success on the river as they have in the classroom. In one of their best regional finishes in five years, the Hawkeyes finished fifth in the 13-team Central Region and seventh out of 22 teams in the Aramark Central/South Regionals, May 17. Iowa was led by a Varsity 8+ boat that finished 17th in the country and fifth in the Central Region.

“Our team had one of the best academic years in Hawkeye history, and it showed on the water,” added Kowal. “They are to be commended, and may we carry this momentum onto the next year.”