Oct. 1, 2009

PHILADELPHIA - The Saint Joseph's women's rowing program honored its 2006 Dad Vail champions with the christening of its newest shell. The Empacher 8 was dedicated to the crew that captured the Dad Vail Varsity 8 in 2006.

The ceremony was held on September 27 at the Gillin Boathouse and the members of that crew in attendance were: Amanda Holland, Jenn (Linck) Kinville, Brianna Kearns, Meg Henry, Kate Parry, Debbie Bateman and Lauren Sysol. Kate Reehil and Liz Sauter were the other two members of that winning boat.

This Empacher 8 shell is the latest in the Hawks' fleet, but was used last season to win the Jesuit Invitational, several dual races and the Atlantic 10 Championship.

The Hawks opened the 2009-10 season by scrimmaging Delaware and Temple in Wilmington, Del. on September 26. Although the timing system failed, the Hawks still gained valuable race experience. This was especially true for the SJU freshmen, who were in their first collegiate races, and for some, even their first crew races after only being in a boat possibly 10 times.