Rowing Signs Six for 2015-16 Season
December 22, 2014 12:31 PM | General
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| Jimmy King |
Morgantown, W.Va. – West Virginia University rowing coach Jimmy King added six rowers to his squad as Madeline Bennett, Madison Hrynda, Janae Hurst, Carly Ledbetter, Kirstie Turner and Emma Winders join the Mountaineers for the 2015-16 season.
“I expect all of these young women to impact our program in their first year as Mountaineers. Although, their experience levels vary significantly, each one of them will arrive at WVU with contributions to offer from the start,” said coach Jimmy King. “What will be most evident when they come together on campus is the dynamic that they will create and add to our team by their energy and enthusiasm.”
Bennett comes to Morgantown from Seal Beach, California, where she rows for Long Beach Junior Crew under coaches Claire Kuehnel and Alfredo Montenegro. At the 2014 USRowing Southwest Junior Championships, Bennett finished second in the Novice 4+ and third in the Novice 8+. In addition, Bennett placed sixth in the Youth 4x at the 2014 USRowing Youth Nationals.
“I chose West Virginia because I wanted to be a part of a good rowing team, as well as be a part of a team who cares about their academics. I also loved WVU’s campus, and I am so excited to be a part of a university and community that has so much Mountaineer pride,” Bennett explained.
Hailing from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Hrynda competes for Three Rivers Junior Rowing under coaches Rick Brown and Steve McCarthy. At the 2014 USRowing Midwest Junior Championships, Hrynda earned a Gold medal in the First Varsity 4+ and placed fourth in the First Varsity 8+. In addition, Hrynda finished sixth in the First Varsity 8+ and fourth in the First Varsity 4+ at the 2013 USRowing Midwest Junior Championships.
“I chose West Virginia because the team and rowers are very similar to my team now. They are fun, welcoming and are dedicated to what they do,” Hrynda said.
Hurst joins the Mountaineers from Maryville, Tennessee, where she rows for East Tennessee Rowing Organization under coach Andrew Krug. At the 2014 USRowing Southeast Junior Championships, Hurst placed third in the Varsity 2-. In addition, Hurst placed fourth in the Youth Women’s 2- at the 2014 Head of the Hooch. Hurst earned a silver medal at the 2014 Tennessee Indoor Rowing Championships.
“I chose West Virginia because I can foresee great opportunities waiting for me there as I begin to take steps into adulthood. I believe WVU will take me to where I want to be in my life,” Hurst explained.
A native of Mercer Island, Washington, Ledbettes raced for Holy Names Academy under coach Caitlin McClain, and competed with Seattle Area Rowing in the summer under coach Padraic McGovern. At the 2014 USRowing Club Nationals, Ledbetter placed sixth in the Junior A 8+ and Intermediate 8+. In addition, Ledbetter finished fourth in the third Varsity 8+ and second in the Varsity 4x at the 2014 USRowing Northwest Championships. Ledbetter also earned three varsity letters in soccer and one in track and field at Holy Names Academy.
“I chose West Virginia because it is a perfect place for me to challenge myself and to grow as a student and an athlete. I love the dynamic environment, the authentic culture and lively spirit at WVU,” Ledbetter explained. “The school and crew team stood out because everyone was so supportive of each other, and driven to succeed both in the classroom and on the water. I am ecstatic to be joining Mountaineer nation.”
Hailing from Ballynure, Northern Ireland, Turner rows for Belfast Boat Club under coach John Armstrong. In 2014, Turner finished second in the J18 2x at the Irish Rowing Championships and claimed a seventh-place finish in the Junior 4x at the Coupe de la Jeunesse Regatta for Rowing Ireland. At the 2013 Irish Rowing Championships, Turner placed second in the J18 1x. She also earned a Gold medal in the Junior 8+ and a bronze medal in the Junior 4- at the 2013 Home International Regatta as a member of Rowing Ireland.
“I chose West Virginia because of how open everybody was during my visit, as well as coach King’s enthusiasm towards helping me achieve my goals within both WVU and Rowing Ireland,” Turner explained.
Winders comes to Morgantown from Dunedin, New Zealand, where she competes for Otago University Rowing Club under coach Matt Smail. At the 2014 South Island Rowing Championships, Winders represented Otago Rowing Club as she was coached by John Parnell where she earned Gold medals in the U19 1x and U19 2x. While at Columba College, Winders finished first in the U18 1x at the 2014 South Island Secondary Schools Championships.
Winders also placed second in the U19 2x and Club 2x, as well as third in the Club 1x at the 2014 NZ Rowing Championships. Winders’ father, Kevin Winders, is a former rowing coach and her mother, Christine Montgomery, is a former NZ champion lightweight sculler both of whom Winders cites as significant influences on her rowing development. Winders was also a member of the 2014 Rowing New Zealand U21 Trans-Tasman Team selected to the Lightweight 2x.
“I chose West Virginia because of the awesome people, great opportunities and the feeling that it’s the place I’m going to able to call home,” Winders said.
The Mountaineers begin its championship season at the Cardinal Invitational in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, on March 14-15.
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Coach Pat Kirkland | April 15
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Coach Rich Rodriguez | April 15
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