Nov. 21, 2001
SEASON OUTLOOK
The Loyola Marymount University Women's Rowing squad will look to top newcomers for immediate impact. They combine with a handful of proven experienced rowers to bolster team depth and raise expectations. The Lions will row Varsity, Second Varsity, and Novice Eights for the first time in Head Coach Patrick Kelly's three years.
The Lions two four-year rowers for 2001-2002, seniors Kristen Kelly (seven seat V8 '01) and Jenny Griffiin (4 seat V8 '01) are looking for their best results ever. They - along with seniors Kim Clark (bow seat V8 '01) and Charlie Livingstone (six seat V8 '01) - will be counted on to guide the group toward success. After two years away form the sport, senior Jill Shimamoto is rowing again for LMU. Junior Jaymie Taylor looks to continue her run in the V8 after spending her first two years at four and five seat, respectively. Her classmate, coxswain Blake Boyer, must provide confidence and direction from the stern of the boat as she leads the crew to new heights.
The Lions sophomore class boasts quality over quantity. Rowers Beth Henderson (five seat V8 '01) and Erin Tyerman (stroke seat N8 '01), both Seattle area natives, look to grow and improve as oarswomen. Fellow sophomore Reesa Bruketta tries her hand at coxing.
The crew is joined by three transfers for '01-'02 as well. Ellie Higley is new to the sport after coming to Loyola Marymount from the volleyball team at San Francisco State. Junior Malin Gustavsson spent the last two years rowing at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, CA. 2001 saw her in the five seat in the Pirates V8. Sophomore Angela Tanner, a native of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, comes to Los Angeles after a year at the University of Calgary. She brings instant punch to the Varsity lineup.
The freshman class for LMU arrives with a winning attitude and brings new energy to the program. Vanessa Glendenning arrives from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan as one of the premier young rowers in Canada. Liz Gordon captained the Shawnigan Lake school team in Vancouver, British Columbia. Caitlin Jesse and Caitlin McClain were part of a successful crew at Holy Names Academy (Tyerman's Alma Mater as well) in Seattle, WA. Also from Seattle, Emily Leung and Jessica Suver come to Southern California from Mount Baker. Both had their fair share of wins, with Leung winning the 4+ at Nationals in 2001. Staying close to home to join the Lions is Marina Aquatic Center alumnus Melanie Salter. Los Gatos RC (San Jose, CA.) product Megan Welch makes her way to LMU from Northern California. Both bring much needed skill and flexibility to the squad with the ability to row either side and scull. Rachek Hammack (Serra/Notre Dame/Mercy, San Francisco) will be asked to lead the Lions foray into lightweight racing in 2003.
The Lions will take to the water for the first time in the Newport Autumn Rowing Festival on Sunday, November 4, 2001. Crews will compete over a 4.5 kilometer course in Newport Harbor.
On the novice (first-year) level LMU is currently rowing two eights under the direction of Sara-Mai Conway. They are: Christine Abboud, Kori Akamine, Brianna Baarstad, Natalie Costanzo, Jonmarie Dominguez, Kristina Dominguez, Katrina Duncan, Catherine Hennig, Catherine Marino, Diana Mazenko, Sylvia Olvera, Michelle Orr, Joanne Peters, Katherine Sorensen, Jaqulyn Spezze, Monica Torres, and Erin Weller.
