Completed Event: Rowing versus Head of the Oklahoma on October 4, 2025
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University of Oklahoma Athletics
Rowing Announces 10 Additions to 2012-13 Recruiting Class
August 24, 2012 | Rowing
Aug. 24, 2012
NORMAN, Okla. -- The Oklahoma women's rowing team and head coach Leeanne Crain announced the addition of 10 student-athletes for the upcoming rowing season.
Daisy Beals, Alayna Brown, Brianna Brown, Liliana Campon, Reagan Collins, Alexandra Jones, McKenzie Middle, Hunter Schwantz, Megan Szukala and Savannah Tallbear have joined the Sooner's freshmen 2013 class.
The remainder of the class will be determined through open tryouts in early September. Interested walk-ons are encouraged to attend an informational meeting on Monday, Aug. 27 at 6 p.m. at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. More information about joining the Sooners is available here.
“We are very excited about the incoming rowers,” Crain said. “Although several of these women did not row in high school, it was clear in our recruitment of them that they were highly successful students and athletes. We are excited about their development this year and can envision them adding significant speed to our boats. They are certainly going to be a strong part of the long-term development of the Sooner rowing program over the next four years.”
Daisy Beals
Beals, from Woodlands, Texas, was a four-year member of the Kingwood High School swimming and diving team, including two years on the varsity team. She was in the Varsity Choir and was on the honor roll all four years at Kingwood High.
“Daisy is a very strong swimmer with a great attitude,” assistant coach John Gartin said. “She clearly wants to help the program as quickly as possible. Her enthusiasm makes her a great teammate and with development, she will be a solid boat mover. As a coach you have to love an athlete that is excited to learn.”
Alayna Brown
A native of Austin, Texas, Brown was a member of the Austin Rowing Club's novice division this past year. She earned three medals at the Texas State Finals in 2012. A graduate of Lake Travis High School, Brown is a member of the National Art Honor Society, is an ASA certified sailor and a PADI certified scuba diver.
“Alayna has rowed for a year, and that initial experience will be a good foundation for her continued development,' Gartin said. “She is very patient and will be a great part of our freshmen class as they grow and develop. We are excited that, although she comes from a long line of Longhorns, she has embraced the Sooner family.”
Brianna Brown
Brown, from Norman, Okla., is a graduate of Brown Academy, where she was a member of the robotics team. Brianna is related to Ivy Brown.
“Brianna is enthusiastic and works hard academically,” Gartin said. “She brings those traits as well as a great work ethic and will quickly earn her spot in the Novice boats. Her ability to focus and think about 'how things work' will enable her to quickly develop.”
Liliana Campon
From Grapevine, Texas, Campon was a state champion volleyball player her senior year at Fort Worth Christian High School. She was named to the State All-Tournament team, earned 1st-Team All-State honors, and was named the District Offensive Player of the Year. Campon was also named to the Academic All-State team and is a member of the National Honor Society.
“Liliana's athletic experience in what it takes to win a championship is a great addition to the Sooner Rowing program,” said Gartin. “Additionally, she is a strong student who clearly works tremendously hard in the classroom. Excelling both athletically and academically gives her the tools to have a very successful freshman year at Oklahoma.”
Reagan Collins
A graduate from Union High School in Tulsa, Collins received the Distinguished Graduate award, was a member of the National Honor Society for over four years and graduated in the top five percent of her class. Additionally, she earned numerous awards and honors in over 10 years of ballet.
“A competitive and classically trained dancer, Reagan has the experience and ability to train and perform at a high level,” Gartin said. “Her training in skillful movement and finely tuned muscle control are ideal for rowing and she will quickly pick up the rowing technique. Her never-ending positive outlook is going to be priceless in the hard training leading up to the regattas.”
Alex Jones
A native of Edmond, Okla., Jones is a two-time state champion in soccer player, a varsity cross country runner and a rowed for the OKC Riversport Juniors. She was class valedictorian and an AP Scholar at Deer Creek High School.
“Alex is a highly-motivated student-athlete with a positive, 'bring on the work' attitude,” said Gartin. “She has been a champion on the field and at the top of her class, the result of her of 'effort brings success' outlook. She is the kind a student-athlete that every team wants in their boats.”
McKenzie Middle
Middle, from Flower Mound, Texas, was a first-team all-district softball player, participated in the state tournament in basketball and track, and was nominated for athlete of the year two straight years. At Liberty Christian School, she was a National Honor Society member for three years and graduated in the top 10 percent of her class.
“We are excited that McKenzie is continuing the strong Sooner ties to Liberty Christian,” Gartin said. “She has that infectious positive attitude and work ethic that every coach looks for in their student athletes. The experience of being a high successful multi-sport athlete gives her the foundation to quickly transition to university rowing.”
Hunter Schwantz
An all-state basketball player, Schwantz comes to Oklahoma from Plano, Texas. A graduate of John Paul II High School, she earned numerous academic awards and was named to the National Art Honor Society in 2010-11.
“Hunter is a highly competitive student-athlete that works tremendously hard,” said Gartin. “Her capacity to play a highly tenacious defense for a full 32-minute game says volumes about her saying power and the positive impact she will have in that crucial third 500. Her ethic of full effort will allow a quick transition of her basketball engine to rowing.”
Megan Szukala
Szukala joins the Sooners from Carroliton, Texas, where she was a two-year captain for the Hebron High School volleyball team. She was a National Honor Society and academic all-state honoree in addition to receiving the Hawk Academic Award for academic excellence her senior year.
“Megan is the level-headed, unassuming stalwart that doesn't look for praise, but lets her actions and work speak for themselves,” Gartin said. “She comes to OU with high level competitive experience on the court as well as excellence in the classroom. She clearly will do very well in the Novice boats and will be a great teammate.”
Savannah Tallbear
A native of Oklahoma City, Tallbear rowed for Northwest Classen High School. In addition to medals earned on the water, Tallbear has received accolades for her contributions to her school district's Native American art show and earned a 4.0 GPA her senior year.
“Savannah's experience on the water will allow her to develop quickly with the novices,” Gartin said. “She is very determined and excited about the upcoming year and has set a high standard for herself. She will certainly be a strong student-athlete who is proud to be called a Sooner.”
In their own words: “Why I Chose the University of Oklahoma”
Daisy Beals
“OU seems “just right” for me, I feel that it is big enough to offer me the entire college life experience that I desire without getting lost in a crowd. With every visit I have had to the campus and athletic events I feel more like I belong here. The University has an excellent reputation and a pharmacy program for which I intend to pursue that is nationally recognized as one of the best. The new challenge to be a part of a Division I rowing program with great mentors encouraging me to do my best couldn't be more thrilling.”
Alayna Brown
"I had been all set to go to another school, but my rowing coach encouraged me to look into rowing at Oklahoma. When I walked on to the OU campus I just felt like I was at home. We went to a rowing practice and the whole team had such great attitude. I told Coach Gartin how for three generations everyone in my family had attended Texas, and he said, "Every family needs a black sheep." I was sold."
Brianna Brown
"I chose the University of Oklahoma because I saw how the campus and its administrators exuded excellence. When choosing my university, I looked at how the students were involved in their community, and from what I've seen, most of the students here are very involved and encourage others to be as well. I am excited to begin this step in my life and look forward to being a part of the rowing team at OU."
Liliana Campon
"I chose Oklahoma after falling in love with the campus on Sooner Saturday. It's far enough away from home, and large enough with the sports and social life to make the college experience I have always wanted. After visiting the prestigious Gaylord College of Journalism, touring facilities, meeting faculty, and learning more about its fantastic broadcasting program, I knew OU was the place for me."
Reagan Collins
"I wanted to attend the University of Oklahoma because they are a large school that has a great reputation and offers a variety of degree options, specifically their Occupational Therapy Program. The University also offers many types of athletic opportunities. After all my extensive ballet training I was ready for a change, my hope was to experience some new and different athletic challenges. I have always been a fan of OU and admired their history of excellence on and off the playing field. Many of my friends already attend OU and they've told me how much they love the University and the Norman area. I like the diversity the University offers and I believe being exposed to a variety of activities and people will give me a well-rounded education."
Alex Jones
"After planning on going out of state for college my entire life, OU was one of the last places I had envisioned attending. However, after one visit all those plans changed. The University of Oklahoma holds so many more opportunities than anywhere else nationally. The support and care that they showed me was so genuine and inspiring that I knew this was where God was telling me to go. Both athletically and academically, OU stands out and I believe it is truly one of the best universities for a student-athlete to thrive."
McKenzie Middle
"I chose the University of Oklahoma because it is home for me. Oklahoma is a family that always gives me the impression of success. OU is not only going to help me athletically and academically, but in solving the problems of everyday life."
Hunter Schwantz
"The University of Oklahoma had everything I was looking for in a university. Strong academics, a great business school, amazing people with tremendous school spirit, and it is close to home!"
Megan Szukala
"I love the atmosphere at Oklahoma, when I walked on the campus I felt as though I belonged here. I plan to major in zoology, and was impressed with the reputation of OU's science department. I am also excited to begin a new athletic challenge with the Sooner rowing team. Boomer Sooner!"
Savannah Tallbear
"I chose OU because I have always wanted to be a Sooner since I was little. I couldn't dream of being at any other school. Being able to represent OU by joining the team just makes it that much better."
Players Mentioned
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Sunday, May 10
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