SJU Athletics Photos

PHILADELPHIA (6/01/04) - School-best finishes at both the prestigious Dad Vail Regatta and Atlantic 10 Championships highlighted a record-setting year on the water for the Saint Joseph's University women's rowing squad in 2003-04. Sparked by a pair experienced varsity crews and a talented freshman boat, SJU was in medal contention at every race during a memorable season.

Collecting six medals and reaching the finals of every race during the year, the 2nd Varsity 8 was the Hawks most decorated crew. Typically comprised of coxswain Katie Parry, Laura Hill, Jenn Wilson, Amanda Holland, Rebecca Celotto, Bernice McPherson, Meredith Richter, Maureen Owston and Courtney Cronauer, the 2nd V8 picked up four silvers and a pair of bronze medals during the year.

That boat placed third at the A-10 Championship and, after posting the fastest time of the day in winning its heat, at the Dad Vail crossed the finish line seven seconds behind Connecticut in a time of 7:07.39 to place second overall and collect the team's first medal in the event in three years.

The women's Varsity 8, which usually featured coxswain Rachel Fonorow, Brianna Kearns, Brigid Morrison, Martha Limbach, Lauren Gallagher, Marci Armetta, Mary Jameson, Jenn Linck, and Megan Nechanicky, often played the role of the bridesmaid during the year, narrowly missing medals at several events and qualifiying for the Petite Final at the San Diego Crew Classic, G.W. Invitational and Knecht Cup.

The V8 finished fourth three times during the year, including at the Murphy Cup and A-10 Championships. The crew though was at its best by the time Dad Vail came around. At the Dad, the V8 easily won its qualifying heat and knocked long-time nemesis Purdue to the petite with a victory in the semifinal. In the Grand Final, the V8 made a huge move late and was in medal contention down the stretch, but was edged out of the medals at the wire, missing a silver medal by 0.5 seconds and a bronze by 0.2 seconds after crossing the finish in a time of 7:02.43.

The Hawks' young Freshman 8 of cox Jenn Castillo, Natalie Schuck, Meghan Henry, Susie Beltz, Kristen Greenbaum, Julie Kelenski, Jen Fasy, Meghan McShea and Kate Tarpey boat displayed steady improvement throughout the the year and found itself peeking at the Dad Vail.

The Frosh 8 easily won its heat and semifinal at the Dad and rowed 6:54.45 in the final finishing second to Purdue and collecting a silver medal for the third straight year.

Featuring three of the nation's fastest boats, head coach Gerry Quinlan directed the Hawks to new heights while positioning SJU for even greater success down the road.