By David Mann
With a sense of excitement, the University of Louisville rowing team is gearing up for it’s first competition of the school year. Since the program’s launch in the fall of 1999, the team has expanded, matured, and gained more support on campus. The team competed at a novice level in its inaugural season, before breaking into the varsity circuit last fall.
At varsity level, the team showed much improvement and had the opportunity to compete with some of the best in the nation. They had a strong finish last spring and hope to continue that effort this year
“A lot of things are different this year,” admits head coach Richard Ruggieri, who is now in his second season. “The first year is always a transition year, where we just try to get a certain philosophy through . . . we are getting closer.”
Despite the progress the rowing team has made in the past two years, it is still one of the best-kept secrets on campus. This is largely due to the team’s 6:30 a.m. practice times on the Ohio River and that they have hosted no competitions in Louisville.
Yet, the addition of Coach Ruggieri last year, and the invaluable experience that returning members contribute has brought a lot of promise to the team. Many of last year’s novices are now rowing at a varsity level; they have become comfortable with their surroundings and their coaches’ philosophy. Of those returning with UofL rowing experience: Nikki Lee, Kate O’ Bryan, Jacinta Hagans, Melissa Campbell, Kris Pittman,Blaire Steinert, Karla Curry, Allison Kemphaus, and Carmen Noltemeyer. Also returning for a second varsity season, co-captains Jennifer Klipple and Stephanie George.
“I’m very excited (about the upcoming season),” says Klipple “we are much stronger this year.” Ruggieri credits the team’s newfound strength not only to the experience they have accumulated but to the student-athletes he has recruited for the upcoming season. The new recruits include three Canadian students. Lucy Svehla of Langley, British Columbia and sisters Ashley and Brooke Spence of North Vancouver, British Columbia give the team an international feel.
Also new to the team is freshman Holly Tomkins of Edgewood, Kentucky. Coach Ruggieri felt that these new recruits would have an immediate impact. He went on to say, “Three of them are in the top five of all our varsity athletes.”
Both players and coaches spoke of the passion it takes to pursue this sport. The rowers strive to maintain a continuous, fluid motion as they work together for a common goal.
“It’s the ultimate team sport,” said Svehla. The synchronization that this sport demands is impossible to achieve without passion and work ethic. The Cardinals take to the water on Saturday, September29th in Newport, Kentucky. The event marks the beginning of the fall season.
