Rowers Set to Open 2001-02 Campaign
September 28, 2001 | Rowing
Sept. 28, 2001
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Two years ago, in the University of Louisville's inaugural season of intercollegiate rowing, the Cards competed solely at the novice level and had an outstanding season. Last season, the squad moved up to the varsity level and showed signs of improvement throughout the year as it raced against the highest level of competition the NCAA had to offer. Now, as the program enters its third season, second-year head coach Richard Ruggieri hopes that a veteran group of returning student-athletes will help propel the Cardinals into the upper echelon of collegiate rowing.
Ruggieri will be able to see just how far the program has come as the Cardinals open the 2001-02 season Saturday morning at the Head of the Licking Regatta in Newport, Ky.
Returning this season is a group of student-athletes who are familiar with their surroundings and the philosophy of the Louisville program. For this reason, Ruggieri is confident that this season will be successful for the Cards.
"I feel we will start at a higher level of competitiveness and desire," said Ruggieri. "With only two seniors on the squad, Nikki Lee and Kate O'Bryan, a good deal of early maturity will be essential for success. I look towards the first recruited class of Louisville Rowing to step up and make a positive impact upon this program."
Among the members of the first class include juniors Melissa Campbell, Jennifer Klipple (Co-Captain), Kris Pittman and Blaire Steinert. Rounding out the returning varsity are sophomores Karla Curry, Stephanie George (Co-Captain), Allison Kemphaus and Carmen Noltemeyer. All four were introduced to the sport last year and bring a great deal of excitement to the program.
The coxswain will be sophomore Jacinta Hagans, who had a successful collegiate debut last year with the Novice 8+ squad.
New faces will bring a good deal of depth to the program. The recruited class of 2001-02 includes Canadians Ashley Spence, Brooke Spence, Lucy Svehla and Holly Tomkins. All four have a great deal of athletic talent and will bring a strong work ethic, international feel and added excitement for the program. Even though this is their first year at Louisville, all four will be competing for spots in the varsity 8+ this fall and spring.
Combining the veterans with the experienced newcomers leaves Ruggieri extremely optimistic for the 2001-02 season.
"With the student-athletes in place, we will be looking for this year's varsity to make an impact in the world of collegiate rowing," said Ruggieri.
