Oct. 11, 2005

PHILADELPHIA - "Championships", that is what this season is all about for Head Coach Drew Hill and the Saint Joseph's Men's Rowing Team. Over the past three years the Hawk Men have come of age, winning five Dad Vail gold medals, one silver, and three bronze along their way to two Dad Vail Men's Point Trophy titles (2003 & 2005). Two SJU boats have made the finals at the IRA National Championship and another two have won petite finals. By all accounts the program has experienced some recent success. This season, however, the Hawks are focused on championship titles.

"For the last three years we have been building the depth of the program and now we are ready to go to the next level. This year our focus is on winning the Varsity Heavyweight 8 (last won in 1970) and Varsity Lightweight 8 (last won in 1999) at the Dad Vail Championships", says Coach Hill, now in his fourth year.

Assistant Coach Dr. Matthew Snyder explains the development of the team, "With the support of the Athletic Department and the completion of our new facilities we were able to bring in our first solid recruiting class of this rebuilding period for the 2002-2003 season. As freshmen, the heavyweights set the Dad Vail course record on their way to gold and the lightweights powered their way to a six second victory at Vails. These guys are now seniors and the leaders of a talented team. We expect a lot from them and we know they are ready to deliver."

The senior leaders on this year's team include John Hayes, Charlie Koob, Mike Leahy, Dan Fazio, Sean O'Hara, Justin Jones, Devlin Murdock, Joe D'Amato, Jesse Burns, and Mike Santoro. A deep junior class will help complement the talent and leadership of the seniors. This year's third year rowers include Stephanie Gehringer, Lauren Moran, Mike Jacob, Alex DiBiasi, Dan Lachant, Adrian Gherca, Jeff Schaetzle, Dave Naab, Wayne Zimmer, Sean Flynn, Bill Fox, Andrew Friedlander, William West, Blake Schiller, Steve Ramsey, and Brendan McMahon. Sophomores looking to contend for seats in the top varsity boats at SJU include Mike Morris, Jon Romvary, Brandon Moore, Gavin Adams, Pat Cassidy, Mike Aurillio, Craig Hanson, John Reedy, Adam Stoll, Kevin Jacobs, Mark Malott, and Doug Cleveland.

Also returning to Hawk Hill to help lead the team are fourth-year assistant coach Paul Mullin, and third-year freshman coach Dan Goettner. New to the staff in 2005 are assistant coaches Victor Marwin and Sean McCullough, a 2002 SJU grad.

The team depth is further strengthened by one of its best recruiting classes with over 20 experienced high school rowers. Despite the promise of this freshmen class Coach Hill is staying focused on compiling varsity wins this season. "From top to bottom we have a solid program, but we race some very good competition this spring. We are keeping our focus on fighting for every win and building speed through our championship season in May and June. In 2005-06 we expect to bring some titles back home to Hawk Hill."

With leadership, depth and talent the Hawks are positioned to make a run at all Dad Vail titles this spring. We can expect to see a lot of Crimson & Grey on the medals dock in mid-May!