Crain Announces 2010-11 Signing Class

Nov. 23, 2009

NORMAN, Okla. - University of Oklahoma head rowing coach Leeanne Crain has announced the signing of three student-athletes to NCAA National Letters of Intent. Those student-athletes are Belle Stixrood (Plano, Texas/Plano West), Maggie Schaefer (Marietta, Ga./George Walton) and Melissa Simpson (Pacifica, Calif./California Virtual) .The trio will begin competing for the Sooners during the 2010-11 academic year.

"We are thrilled to be signing three outstanding rowers," Crain said. "Belle has only been rowing a short time, but is already excelling in the sport. She's got the perfect build for rowing - tall and lean. Coupled with her tremendous enthusiasm, she will be a force to be dealt with on the water. Maggie and Melissa come to us with solid rowing backgrounds, each having spent four years competing at the junior level. Their high school experience will allow them to transition easily to the world of collegiate rowing."

Stixrood, a native of Plano, Texas, was a member of the White Rock Boathouse rowing club for one year. At Plano West Senior High, Stixrood participated in volleyball, softball and basketball where she won an academic achievement award in 2007.

"The coaches and team at Oklahoma were great," Stixrood said. "Rowing is a full-body sport and very rewarding. I'm looking to bring championships to Norman."

Schaefer of Marietta, Ga., was a member of the Atlanta Junior Rowing Association for four years, Schaefer qualified for High School Club Nationals in 2007 and 2008. She placed third at the Head of the Hooch in 2007 and 2008.

"I wanted to compete collegiately in a program that had a lot of promise," Schaefer said. "Oklahoma has dedicated rowers and I can't wait to be a part of that."

Simpson hails from Pacifica, Calif. Simpson participated in club rowing for four years, most recently with the NorCal Crew. She raced in the three seat in the Varsity Eight that placed 15th out of 74 teams at the 2009 Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston. She also raced in the three seat in the Varsity Eight to make it to the Grand Finals at the 2009 Southwest Junior Regional Championships, a first for her program.

"I want to be at a large school with a lot of spirit and pride in their athletic teams," Simpson said.

"All three of these individuals will make an impact in their first season with the Sooners," Crain added. "It's great that in only our second year as a program, we're already attracting this level of talent. If these three are indicative of the type of student-athlete we can recruit to OU, our future is very bright!"

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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