The Class of 2016 (Part 1)

As the first round of the admission process comes to a close Coach Steenstra, Hurley, myself, and Bates College Rowers both past and present wanted to take this opportunity to congratulate the class of 2016 upon their acceptance to matriculate in the fall of 2012. Since this is the first recruiting class for Coach Hurly and I, it has been a real pleasure getting the chance to explore the opportunities available here at Bates College as these young men and women begin to take the next step in their academic and athletic lives. This large class, encompasses states such as California and Florida, contains athletes who are still one season into their rowing career, and those who have won regional and national medals. We have high expectations for the coming spring, and expect the class of 2016 to come in and build upon what those in previous years have worked so hard to achieve.

Here is a closer look at the Class of 2016:

(Ladies first)

Sarah Brooks

Ht: 5’9”

High School: Groton School

Rowing Program: Groton Crew

Background: Sarah comes from a crew who went 33-0 and 2^nd in NEIRA for the 2011 Spring Season. Stroke of Groton’s 3^rd 4, Sarah is a seasoned oarswoman who will make a solid addition to the class of 2016. 

Margaux Joselow

Ht: 5’11”

High School: The Derryfield School

Rowing Program: Derryfield High School Crew

Background: Margaux comes to Bates proficient in both sweep and scull. As a captain with three years experience on the water, Margaux has helped her crews to commendable finishes in regattas such as New Hampshire Championships, Head of the Fish, and Head of the Charles.

Emma Taylor

Ht: 5’8”

High School: Thayer Academy

Rowing Program: Thayer Academy Crew/ Community Rowing Incorporated

Background: Emma comes to us from the small but dedicated program of Thayer crew. Holding four years experience and her team’s top erg score, Emma pushes her teammates to become faster rowers. She battled a concussion for the better part of the Fall season, but will be back in action come Spring.

 And the Gentlemen

(though I use that term very loosely)

John Albanese

            Ht – 5’10”

            High School – Montclair, NJ

            Rowing Program – Montclair High School Rowing

            Background – John comes from a program where he has had valuable experience in both sweep and sculling, which will be a great advantage in the team small boat racing we do through the fall season. He sent the fall season in a 2x, and will be training alongside Leo as the two prepare for their final season at Montclair.

Dante Colicchio

            Ht – 6’

            High School – Middlesex, MA

            Rowing Program – Middlesex

            Background – Dante has been rowing for Middlesex, a 4+ program in the highly competitive NEIRA, for the past four years. He stroked their top 4+ through the fall season, which has shown a great deal of promise as they prepare for the spring season.

Tom Fitzgerald

            Ht – 6’5”

            High School – Weston, MA

            Rowing Program – Community Rowing Incorporated

            Background – Tom is still very young as an oarsman, coming off his novice year in 2010-2011. However he has used a strong background as a state champion swimmer, to move right into the mix at the highly competitive CRI. With such an athletic background we expect his learning curve will allow him to be a 4 year contributor to the program.

Leo Foglizzo

            Ht – 6’7”

            High School – Montclair, NJ

            Rowing Program – Montclair High School Rowing

            Background – Leo, like John, is coming from a program that stresses the importance being a well rounded athlete, giving him extensive flexibility to sit just about anywhere in the boat. He follows in line of the likes of PC Miller, Andre Gobo, and Hank Schless of 6’5” plus and the some room to gain a pound or two. We look forward to adding some meat to his frame as he follows in the footsteps of his counterparts as solid overall contributors.

William Hilton

            Ht – 5’10”

            High School – MAST Academy, FL

            Rowing Program – Miami Rowing Club

            Background – William began rowing for Miami Rowing and Watersports Center in the Fall of 2009. During his first year and a half MRC was able to post strong results through out the state of Florida. William was sidelined by injury half way through his Junior Year, but has but in the work at rehab, and is moving back to fulltime training with his club. Utilizing the ability to spend a full year on the water, will allow him to jump right into the mix come fall.

Chris Kussmaul

            Ht – 5’10”

            High School – Weston, MA

            Rowing Program – Wayland/Weston

            Background – Chris follows in the footsteps of his sister Carolyn who rowed for the Bobcats during 2009 season. Chris has spent all 4 years rowing for the cross-town rival of CRI – Wayland/Weston. Chris just capped off a terrific fall season where he sat bow seat in the top 8+ that finished in the top 5 at The New Hampshire Championships and Head of the Housatonic.       

Nick Muccio

            Ht- 6’4”

            High School – Concord, NH

            Rowing Program – Concord Crew

            Background – Nick is a very motivated young man, who has been able to achieve a high level of success through hard work. He currently holds the all time 6k record at Concord Crew, and was the stroke of the Varsity 8+ through the fall season, having strong performances at the Head of the Housatonic, New Hampshire Championships, and The Head of the Charles.

James Naso

            Ht. -6’1”

            High School – Redwood, CA

            Rowing Program – Marin Rowing Association

            Background – Jamie comes from one of the top rowing clubs in the country, Marin. In the spring of 2011 he won gold at the South West Regional in both the Men’s 2v 8+ and the Men’s 155lb 8+. The Men’s 155lb 8+ went on to win the National Championship in Tennessee only a few weeks later, and during the fall of 2012 his boat went undefeated. Jamie brings an understanding of what it takes to be competitive at the National Level, and will be a valuable asset as the program continues to build upon previous successes.

Andrew Voss

            Ht. – 6’1”

            High School – Derryfield School, NH

            Rowing Program – Derryfield High School Crew

            Background – Andrew comes from the neighboring state of New Hampshire where he has spent the past 4 years as a member of the rowing program at Derryfield School. Elected as the Capitan during his senior year, Andrew has shown to be a valuable leader in organizing his team’s preseason, and winter conditioning programs, a skill that will be put to use here at Bates. He spent the spring of his junior year in the top 4+ at Derryfield, and will be looked to continue to build upon their success in to coming spring.

As the admission process continues we look forward to adding names to the already talented group above, with more to come soon hopefully from Sunny Austin, TX.