The Regulator February 2014
Plan to win. Prepare to win. Expect to win. Renee Puvvada Editor
Isabella Norcini Graphic Designer
Alec Kaye Advisor
Erg Sprints Hannah Hopper (center) warms up with other Novice Women at the 2014 Atlanta Erg Sprints. Photo taken by Renee Puvvada.
renee puvvada gt crew secretary The morning of February 1st was bright, crisp, and promising as crews from all around Atlanta and the Southeast gathered at the Campus Recreation Center on Georgia Tech’s campus to compete in the 2014 Atlanta Erg Sprints. Junior crews raced in the morning, and towards the afternoon, the Novice Women lead the way into the adult events. Brand new black Model D PM4 Concept 2 ergs lined the central basketball court, electronically hooked up to large monitors. As soon as the first heat of the Novice Women kicked off, the virtual boats on-screen were neck and neck, mercilessly vying for the gold medal. Notably, the University of Georgia, Auburn University, Emory University, as well as Northwestern State University and the University of North Georgia, made appearances, pushing Georgia Tech Crew to the edge of our competitiveness. Results from the races can be found to the right. Included in the events was the Team Relay, a unique event in that friends and family can be seen teamed up with GT Crew rowers. As soon as the start sequence ended, the teams of four rallied together, encouraging each of their rowers to the finish, sending a roar that echoed throughout the soaring walls of the gymnasium. Along the line of ergs, rowers could be seen pulling their brains out, only to roll off the erg to hold the feet of the next rower who would continue where the last one left off. As the final scores were pinned up, one could see “Georgia Tech Rowing Club” dominating the leaderboards in every category, from Team Relay down to the Coxswain Race. Thank you to the Georgia Tech Crew Alumni for, once again, organizing a very successful and smoothly-run Erg Sprints. We would like to thank all of the parents, fans and friends who came out to cheer for our rowers; it means the world to us when we hear our favorite voices pulling us through those last 500 meters. Thank you!
Novice Men 1st Nick Teissler 2nd Josh Johnston 3rd Jack Olinde Lightweight Men 1st Sean Gibel (Alum) 2nd John Preihs 3rd Todd (Fish) Gloyd Open Men 1st Adam Mckenzie 2nd Greg Beck 3rd Cole Turner Lightweight Women 1st Sofia Tuttle 3rd Abby Ross Open Women 2nd Sophie Parks Coxswain Men 1st Shen Yoon 2nd David Miranda
To see the full results, please visit http://www.atlantaergsprints.com/results
Brand new ergs line the fourth floor of the CRC.
Mrs. Loeffler about to row in a team relay with her family.
Novice rowers Muswele Lundy, Jackie Bidlack, Chelsea Ashworth, and David Wright compete in the Team Relay.
US National Lightweight (and GT Crew Alum) Sean Gibel and John Preihs battling for first place in Light Men.
Coxswains (left to right) Shen Yoon, Isabella Norcini, Stephanie Pham, and Niara Simpson prepare for the 1k Coxswain Race.
Varsity rowers Cole Turner (second from left), Greg Beck (center), and Adam Mckenzie (second from right) crushing their 2k times in Open Men. A huge crowd cheers on from behind. All photos taken by Renee Puvvada and Alec Kaye
Mableton Boathouse Jamestown Properties hosted a fall festival to invite Georgia Tech Crew to the newly built dock. Featured beneath the tent is a new single.
renee puvvada and alec kaye gt crew secretary and men’s vp
On Friday, February 7th, Jamestown Properties invited the Georgia Tech Rowing Club to Mableton, Georgia, permitting them to build a boathouse in an effort to raise the property value of the surrounding area. Two years ago, Jamestown Properties, an Atlanta-based real estate investment company, was looking to raise the value of a strip of riverfront property called Riverview Landing. In conjunction with GT Crew, which was in need of a closer-to-campus boathouse, Jamestown Properties installed a new dock that is open to the community. The incorporation of GT Crew will ensure the maintenance of the dock and surrounding riverside. Before this year, the only option Georgia Tech rowers had was to commute the thirty-to-sixty minute (depending on the temperamental Atlanta weekday traffic) trip to Roswell and back again. As any hardworking rower on the team could testify, this cut into a significant amount of time they could use to study, sleep, or accomplish other goals SURVIVE TECH. Now, thanks to the generous efforts and contributions from Jamestown Properties and Georgia Tech Crew Alumni, the Mableton commute slashes the time for a trip to the Hooch by sixty percent. This new boathouse will predominantly hold singles, providing rowers of all levels with a safe haven to work on individual technique.
Varsity rower Mathew Loeffler rows a single along the Chattahoochee River next to the new Mableton dock. Photo courtesy of Shena Sabens.
On January 5th, several rowers, coaches, and alum went to Mableton to lay the foundation for the temporary boathouse. Later on it was decided that it won’t be used, in favor of a different set-up. Photos taken by Alec Kaye.
Pictures from the Jamestown Properties and Riverview Landing presentation for GT Crew on February 7th. Featured is the new dock, as well as new singles. Photos courtesy of Shena Sabens.
Fall 2013 Women’s Summary
abby ross gt crew women’s vp
This past fall brought success to the women’s squads, despite the two-week government closure. With over sixteen new novices, coaches Maddie and Alyssa set the bar high and these girls met those lofty expectations. With only a month of practice, the squad out-performed the field at the 21st annual Chattanooga Head Race. Highlights include gold in the 2nd Novice 8+ and True College Novice 4+, and bronze in the College Novice 8+. Two weeks later, the squad traveled north to Oak Ridge to preview the SIRA course and compete in the Secret City Head Race; highlights include two silvers in the Novice 8+ and the Novice 4+. This fall’s culminating race was back on the Chattanooga course. While Head of the Hooch brought no medals, there was significant improvement in raw race times on the course compared to just three weeks prior. A job well done by all the novice for surviving their first rowing season! This year marked Coach Jay’s third term coaching the GT Varsity Women, and high expectations were set with record erg times in September. At the first race of the season, the 8+ posted a speedy time right behind the University of Alabama and the 4+ just narrowly missed medaling. A mere 6 days later the squad left Atlanta, jet-setting north to Boston for the 49th Head of the Charles, the world’s largest two day regatta, for a weekend of racing against a very competitive field. On Saturday,
the bucket-rigged combination of Sam Casto, Sofia Tuttle, Cassie Merrigan, Abby Ross, and Isabella Norcini won bronze in the Collegiate 4+, coming behind Barry University and McGill University (both heavily recruited schools). This was the first medal ever won by a GT Women’s crew at this world-renowned event! The varsity women finished off the season at the Head of the Hooch regatta, with the Boston lineups racing once again. On Saturday in the Championship 8+, Georgia Tech beat neighbor state rivals University of Florida by a clean 3.7 seconds. In the Club 4+ the varsity women bested Clemson by a large margin, and in the Championship 4+, the bucket-rigged group defeated University of Florida again. Sunday’s small boats racing brought more outstanding achievements. In the Championship 1x, Sam Casto won gold by over 45 seconds. In the Lightweight 1x, Sofia Tuttle placed in the top half, narrowly missing bronze. The Open 2- event brought entertainment to spectators as boats crashed at the finish - luckily sparing both Abby & Sofia and Kellie & Sophie, who placed behind the powerhouse crews of University of Oklahoma and University of Tennessee. Coming into the new year with stronger erg scores than ever before, we’re excited to see what the spring racing season has in store!
Fall 2013 Men’s Summary
The novice men dock after a hard row at the beginning of the fall semester. Photo taken by Alec Kaye.
alec kaye gt crew men’s vp The Varsity Men started their season strong at Chattanooga Head race, placing first, second, and fourth in the collegiate 8+. With such a large squad, the Varsity entered in several smaller boat events, placing in the single, pair, and 4+ events. The official Fall season events ended at Head of the Hooch. The Lightweights 8+ and the Open 2- had gold medal times of 15:44.9 and 16:57.6, respectively, in their events. The men took an impromptu trip to Melbourne, Florida a week later to compete against Jacksonville University and Florida Institute of Technology on their home turf in 3.5-kilometer “head-sprints”. GT placed third behind FIT’s A and B boat; all three boats within a span on 9 seconds. The squad plans on dominating in the Lightweight 8+, Open 4+, and Open 2- this Spring season. The Novice Men began with extraordinary power on the ergs, pulling varsity-level splits early in the season. They were unable to place against stiff competition at Chattanooga, despite their impressive recorded times in their events. Over at the Secret City head race, the Open 4+ won silver, 3.51 seconds shy of gold.The squad shows great promise for the Spring season with their raw strength and eagerness to learn the technique.
Novice rowers say “cheese!” at the Chattanooga Head Race. Photo courtesy of Bob and Susan Page.
Varsity rowers take a break in the GT Crew trailer. Photo taken by Alec Kaye.
New Officer Board Jake Kazlow President
I was raised all over the southeast and ultimately came to Georgia Tech to pursue a degree in Biomedical Engineering. While here I have found a passion for the field of regenerative medicine research. This research is how I spend much of my time outside of practice and classes. This will be my third season on the team and second year on the officer board. I look forward to helping the team grow and seeing even more medals come home for Georgia Tech Crew.
Abby Ross Women’s Vice President I am a third year Earth & Atmospheric Sciences major from Potomac, Maryland. I started rowing my first year here at Tech, and I haven’t been able to stop since. I was Assistant Treasurer for one year before being elected to the office of the Women’s Vice President. While rowing takes up a large amount of my time, I also enjoy going on walks and baking, especially since I am a perpetually recovering lightweight. I have had a lot of success with Georgia Tech Crew every racing season and I hope to add some more bling to my collection this year. I look forward to supporting my fellow oarswomen on and off the water.
Alec Kaye Men’s Vice President
I am a second year Industrial Engineering major from Coral Springs, Florida. I’ve spent the majority of my life performing music in concert and marching settings. I now row for the Varsity Men’s squad. After being Secretary, I decided that I would enjoy devoting more of my time to this highly-esteemed organization, Georgia Tech Rowing, as Vice President. I hope to ensure seamless, behind-thescene logistics so that our rowers can keep their focus on what we all love doing.
Adam McKenzie Treasurer The first born son of a proud southern family I spent my childhood reminded of the high expectations I am held to everyday. I have spent every day of the last 22 years doing nothing but exceeding these seemingly impossible standards. My athletic career began in the winter of 2000 where I emerged as a proficient basketball player. Between the age of 8 and 10 I was a husky second string center accruing 12 points in 3 seasons. I turned to soccer for the spring of 2002 where I set a season low for number of points by a single player at -1. My next 7 years were spent in the pool as a competitive swimmer where I was state champion, 5 time U.S. top 16 swimmer, and two time national medalist. In college I have added 3 years of rowing to my athletic resume and another national medal. Brian Lee Assistant Treasurer
I am a third year Electrical Engineering student from Alpharetta, Georgia. In my spare time, I play guitar, read romantic comedies, and occasionally break my vertebrae. Georgia Tech Rowing has been a huge part of my college experience thus far, and the experiences and friendships have been life-changing. I hope to contribute to the team as assistant treasurer by establishing long-lasting connections with alumni and outside organizations to lower seasonal dues and upgrade equipment.
Chiki Robaina Public Relations Hey there! My name is Maria Teresa Robaina, but really, everyone just calls me Chiki. I’ve had this nickname since I was born, since it’s a pun for being so little. I’m from Miami, FL and spent my entire childhood and adolescence studying the art of classical ballet. After performing professionally, I gave it all up just to be a coxswain on the varsity men’s squad here at Georgia Tech. I’m currently a sophomore pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering, and looking forward to my fourth semester on the team!
Hayden Mckinley Social Promoter
I am a 4th year mechanical engineering major, hoping to graduate sometime this century. I am from Griffin, Ga. I transferred from Gordon College where I earned an associates in physics. I currently work a co-op with M.A. Industries. I am a first year varsity rower, who has an affinity for 4th place, pulled hamstrings, and flipped singles. I am known around the team and campus as "the beard guy". On weekends, to let off steam I participate in full-contact origami. I am an expert in fence building, a veteran in love, and an outlaw in Peru. And I am THE SOCIAL PROMOTER!
John Hart Boathouse Manager John Hart is a junior Industrial and Systems Engineering major. He grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and began rowing in 2007 with Clermont High School Crew. He came to Georgia Tech in 2011 and now rows in the lightweight 8+. He has held two co-op positions with General Electric, and aspires to have a job upon graduation. Outside of rowing, John enjoys sailing and camping, but dislikes writing about himself. Nick Rahaim Fundraiser Hi my name is Nicholas Rahaim. I was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio as the youngest of 4 kids. This is my first year rowing and so far I love it. Besides rowing I like to juggle, play soccer, do karate, and casually star gaze. Renee Puvvada Secretary Hello! I am a first year Materials Science and Engineering major from Marietta, Georgia, and this is my first year rowing. I’m really excited to build connections with parents and alumni as secretary. In high school, I was in concert and marching band, and I still continue to play the flute and collect flutes from around the world. I also love traveling, eating new and exotic foods, and napping. Especially napping.
New Coaches Maddie Becker Novice Women
Novice Women’s coach Maddie Becker.
Maddie Becker was a 2-sport varsity athlete in high school and was excited to continue competing in college. She discovered crew and immediately developed a love of rowing. Her favorite memory from her time on GT Crew is racing the Women’s Pair at the Dad Vail Regatta to Grand Finals in 2011. When she’s not coaching, she works as a file clerk at the law firm Hawkins Parnell Thackston & Young LLP. In her free time, she enjoys watching Disney movies and getting baking lessons from fellow coach, Alyssa McKay.
Alyssa McKay recently graduated from Georgia Tech in May 2013 with a B.S. in Architecture. She is very excited to be co-coach with Maddie Becker for the Novice Women's Crew team. After 8 years of coxing in high school and college, it is her dream to help others love the sport as much as she does. Her favorite memory within crew is placing third place at Head of the Charles, the world's largest two-day rowing event. In her spare time she enjoys playing with her pup Rhaegar, watching/reading Game of Thrones, and baking anything and everything.
Alyssa McKay Novice Women
Novice Women’s coach Alyssa McKay.
Upcoming Events Mercyhurst Scrimmage Lake Lanier
Spring Break Panama City Beach, FL
John Hunter Regatta Lake Lanier
FIRA Sarasota, FL
San Diego CC San Diego, CA
SIRA Oak Ridge, TN
Competing teams include Mercyhurst University, Penn State, and Ithaca College.
The 28th Annual regatta hosted by GT Crew and Saint Andrew Rowing.
Lightweight Varsity Men only. Departing Atlanta April 4th.
Dad Vail Regatta Philadelphia, PA
The largest collegiate regatta in the United States.
Includes the Alumni Dinner. More information to come.
Held on the Cooper Creek venue at Benderson Park.
The 46th Annual Southern Intercollegiate Championship Regatta.
ACRA Lake Lanier
Select GT boats will attend. More information to come.
Parent and Alum Sponsors Thank you so much to these families for donating to GT Crew! Gini Ann Loeffler Kim Everett Lynn Thomas Bob and Susan Page Elaine Olinde Betsy England Brandt and Becky Bonin Valerie Crump Phoebie and Stephanie Meadows John & Layne Ward Philip & Donna Wilson Alison Hollowell Tad & Maureen Weems Suann Sheptak & Joe Bitzko Laura Doyle Ed Fair Deborah S Lee Cameron Troxel Kris Batol Charles Anderon Patricia Pohl Cassi Niemann Kevin Hade Allison McInteer Evan Drew Nicholas Grivas Tony White Eddie D. Lott Anthony Minarik
Mark Kiefert Jessica Pohl Sara L. Wilson-Thacker Mark M Filer Ethan Johnson Brian Holman Ben Smith Rosalind R Meyers Tad Weems Kelly Demestihas Katherine Trainer Jennifer Skudlarek Chuck Tyrpak Jessa Boutte James Price Robert Baxley Anne-Marie DeBacker Brian M. Lane Josh Vose MD James A Kowalski Birgitta Caspersen Tim Maryak Carol Sikes Patrick Dillon Janet Kinard Elijah DeVaughn Paul & Caroline Beck Lawrence K Darrow Connie Puvvada
GT Crew Rent-A-Rower
About: GT Crew is an elite sports club that consistently medals at Nationals. We need funding for our club in order to pay race entry fees, to purchase new equipment, and to employ coaches. Help support our team by hiring us to do any task such as: • Tutoring/Babysitting • Yard Work/Landscaping/Building • Manual Labor and more When: Most rowers are available Saturdays and Sundays after noon Cost: Hire as many rowers as needed! Cost can be negotiated depending on hours worked and task performed. Contact Us: Visit our website gtcrew.com to fill out the job form or email fundraising@gtcrew.com for any questions.
Gtcrew- rent-a-rower
fundraising@gtcrew.com
Gtcrew- rent-a-rower
fundraising@gtcrew.com
Gtcrew- rent-a-rower
fundraising@gtcrew.com
Gtcrew- rent-a-rower
fundraising@gtcrew.com
Gtcrew- rent-a-rower
fundraising@gtcrew.com
Gtcrew- rent-a-rower
fundraising@gtcrew.com
Gtcrew- rent-a-rower
fundraising@gtcrew.com
Gtcrew- rent-a-rower
fundraising@gtcrew.com
Gtcrew- rent-a-rower
fundraising@gtcrew.com
Gtcrew- rent-a-rower
fundraising@gtcrew.com