Nov. 21, 2001
SEASON PREVIEW
Coming off a strong showing last season in the PAC-10, the Loyola Marymount Men's Rowing squad looks to build on their triumphs and field a competitive varsity eight this year. Entering his third season, head coach Patrick Kelly is looking for medals as the team prepares for the WIRA Championship Regatta. This year the squad will be the most experienced ever, with the majority of the boat having rowed for at least 3 years.
The Men bring back three four-year rowers for 2001-2002, seniors Brooks Jones (captain and stroke seat V8 '01), Robert Klamser (seven seat V8 '01), and Andres Carlos (bow seat V8 '01). These three athletes will lead the team into the upcoming season. Along with returning varsity members Matt Goethals (four seat V8 '01), Tyler Bengard (three seat V8 '01), and Nick Caniglia (two seat V8 '01), Jones, Klamser, and Carlos hope to bring LMU into the top ranks of a sport that has been dominated by the west coast in recent years.
The Lions add some big guns to the boat with transfer Aaron Clousing from Orange Coast College and first year senior J.P. Afif. Both standing over 6'6", they add power unmatched in recent years at LMU.
LMU also has nine second year athletes moving up from last year's novice men's team, including much-needed coxswains Katie Drake and Jennifer Mathieu and Brandon Krock. 2000-2001's novice team captain Justin Allen leads a group of eager oarsman into their first varsity year. They include Patrick Madigan, Brad Schnell, Rob Willis, Matt Felt, and Jeremy Hahn.
Two true freshman, Jarret Carle and Andy Nelson, are showing tremendous talent as they look to compete with varsity during their first year at Loyola Marymount. Carle draws from his high school rowing experience to help the team while Nelson has big shoes to fill stepping into the varsity lineup.
All those mentioned will be counted on to contribute as LMU looks to boat a V8, JV 8, and Novice 8 for the first time since the 1980's.
The novice men, under the direction of second year coach Joseph Kennedy, are progressing nicely as they ready themselves for this Spring. They are: Martin Austin, Scott Benion, John Heatly, Mark Kolich, Jason Lake, John Lux, Tim Stevko, Daniel Torres, and coxswain Francesca Martin.
