PRINCETON, N.J. - USRowing maintains a strong and long tradition of rewarding excellence in rowing. Following a year of unprecedented achievement, the rowing community has designated strong nominees for the 2012 Fan's Choice Awards, which are solely nominated and voted on by rowing fans. After receiving an outpouring of nominations in all categories, the finalists are now posted HERE. Voting begins today and continues through 5 p.m. ET on Monday, October 22.
Co-sponsored by row2k Media, USRowing Fan's Choice Awards will be given to a "Rower of the Year" in the junior, collegiate, masters and national team categories and a "Coach of the Year" in the junior, collegiate and masters category.
2012 Fan's Choice Finalists
Junior Rower of the Year
-Christine Cavallo, Orlando Area Rowing Society (OARS)
-Rosie Grinalds, GMS Rowing Center
-Harrison Malec, Saugatuck Rowing Club
-Graham Mink, Maritime Rowing Club
-Alia Shafi, Oakland Strokes
Collegiate Rower of the Year
-Alex Bunkers, University of Washington
-Chrissy Holm, University of Michigan
-Robb Munn, University of Washington
-Kristine O'Brien, University of Virginia
-Ian Silveira, Princeton University
Masters Rower of the Year
-Laurie Devitt, Maritime Rowing Club
-Paul Green, Saugatuck Rowing Club
-Frank Maldari, Greater Lawrence Rowing
-Ed Ryan, Potomac Rowing Club
-Forrest Sanders, Nashville Rowing
National Team Rower of the Year
-Erin Cafaro, women's eight
-Charlie Cole, men's four
-Caryn Davies, women's eight
-Sara Hendershot, women's pair
-Adrienne Martelli, women's quadruple sculls
Junior Coach of the Year
-Guenter Beutter, GMS Rowing Center
-Greg King, National Cathedral School
-Rose Marchuk, New Trier High School
-Matthew Previts, Cleveland Scholastic Rowing Association
-Peter Wilhelm, Narragansett Boat Club
Collegiate Coach of the Year
-Mike Callahan, University of Washington
-Paul Cooke, Brown University
-Robin Meiggs, Humboldt State University
-Kevin Sauer, University of Virginia
-Brett Sickler, University of Michigan
Masters Coach of the Year
-Lew Cuyler, Berkshire Rowing and Sculling
-Nancy Faigen, Potomac Rowing Club
-Boris Kusturic, Cambridge Boat Club
-Deidre McLoughlin, Marin Rowing Association
-Bob Tarrant, Saratoga Rowing Center
The selection committee used the following criteria to determine the finalists:
Rower of the Year: A male or female rower or coxswain who has achieved extraordinary success in 2012. Success may be defined as an outstanding performance, having a breakout year, perseverance in spite of difficult odds, consistently strong performance, outstanding service off the water, or a combination of the above or other worthy measures.
Coach of the Year: A rowing coach who has achieved extraordinary success in 2012. Success may be defined as outstanding performance, having a breakout year, making a significant impact on an individual athlete or team performance, perseverance in spite of difficult odds, consistent strong performance, or a combination of the above or other worthy measures.
"The nominations in all Fans Choice Awards categories this year were outstanding," said Beth Kohl, USRowing Chief Marketing Officer. "The 2011 winners set a very high bar, and the rowing community responded with another strong selection of athletes and coaches. The selection committee had a very challenging task in determining the finalists, and now our voters have some tough decisions of their own in picking the winners.
"The past year brought us many outstanding performances from rowing organizations in all regions at all levels. Many stories came out - stories of dedication, perseverance and breaking barriers. We are proud of our community and row2k Media is an excellent partner for this program. We look forward to honoring the winners at the Golden Oars Awards Dinner in November."
"For the inaugural awards last year, the idea of sponsoring a fan's choice awards poll that recognizes a large number of folks who are fully immersed in the sport on a daily basis seemed to me, perfect for row2k, and we are looking forward to doing it again this year," said Ed Hewitt, row2k founder and publisher. "The list of nominees and finalists was superb and inspiring; without folks like these giving everything they have, our sport would be very different, and it is great to be part of honoring them."
Fans may vote once in each category. Voting closes at 5 p.m. ET on Monday, October 22. Winners will be announced the following week and recognized at the 2012 Golden Oars Awards Dinner on November 14 at the New York Athletic Club. Winners will also attend a pre-event meet and greet with 2012 Olympians and Paralympians. Tickets are available. For more information visit www.usrowing.org/Events/GoldenOarsDinner.aspx.