May 26, 2009

PHILADELPHIA - Saint Joseph's standout Debbie Bateman has been named to the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) All-Mid-Atlantic Region First Team. She will be eligible for All-America awards selection following the NCAA Rowing Championships, which runs from May 29-31.

Bateman concluded a stellar career for the Hawks, earning All-Atlantic 10 First Team honors this season, after being a second-team selection in 2008. She was a member of the winning Varsity 8 and Quad crews at the Atlantic 10 Championships, helping the Hawks to first-ever gold medals in those events, while SJU finished third in the team standings.

The marketing major excelled in the classroom as well, winning the Atlantic 10 Women's Rowing Student-Athlete of the Year award in both 2009 and 2008. She also received Saint Joseph's Class of 1950 award as the top graduating female student-athlete.

A native of Longport, N.J. (Mainland Regional H.S.), the three-year co-captain was a part of Saint Joseph's Varsity 8 that captured the Cal Cup title at the 2009 San Diego Crew Classic and won the title at the 2009 Jesuit Invitational.

Bateman, who maintained a cumulative grade-point average of 3.95, graduated with honors from Saint Joseph's on May 16. She is a three-time Academic All-Conference selection and was the Philadelphia Inquirer's Academic All-Area Rowing Performer of the Year in both 2007 and 2008.

Nominated student-athletes are evaluated on the strength of their team's regional finish, coaches' recommendations and 2,000-meter erg score. Nominees must be eligible student-athletes who have competed in their teams' varsity boat in 75 percent of races this season.