July 19, 2009

PHILADELPHIA - Saint Joseph's graduate Debbie Bateman has been named the Philadelphia Inquirer Academic All-Area Performer of the Year for Women's Rowing, as selected by the Philadelphia Area Sports Information Directors (Philly SIDA). It marks the third consecutive year that Bateman has earned the honor.

Teammates Danielle Brady, Colleen Greway and Lauren Rozsits joined Bateman on the Academic All-Area team.

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.

Brady, a sophomore from Ocean City, N.J., maintains a 3.73 grade-point average as an elementary educuation major. She was a member of the Hawks' Atlantic 10 champion Varsity 8 and Quad boats.

Greway, a junior from Westmont, N.J., posted a 3.82 in elementary education. She was selected to the Atlantic 10 All-Conference Second Team and also was a member of the A-10 champion Varsity 8.

Rozsits, a junior from Landenberg, Pa., posted a 3.74 gpa in finance. She rowed for the Hawks' A-10 Champion Varsity 8.