Rowing Honors Student-Athletes at Banquet

NORMAN – Head coach Leeanne Crain and the 2014-15 University of Oklahoma rowing squad honored and recognized a number of athletes that have made a big impact on this season.

The Sooners wrapped up the regular season last weekend by capturing the Stone Family Cup with a victory over Tulsa. The Crimson and Cream will begin the postseason on May 16-17 with the Big 12 Championships in Oak Ridge, Tenn., where they will look to win their third straight conference title and earn another trip to the NCAA Championships.

At the award ceremony, sophomore Maegan Neihart earned the Most Valuable Varsity award. The sophomore has been an important cog in the first varsity eight boat all spring. Fellow sophomore coxswain Nicasia D'Allesandro was presented with the Most Inspirational Varsity award for her positive spirit and attitude in and out of the boat.

Sloan

Another mainstay this spring in the first varsity eight boat that was recognized by the coaches was Elena Sloan, who was awarded Most Valuable Freshman. Sloan has made an immediate impact since joining the team in the fall of 2014 and has continually improved throughout the season.

As well as recognizing achievements in the boat, the team also took time to recognize the best performer in the classroom. Junior Marissa Beene recorded a cumulative GPA of 4.0 to earn the Scholar Athlete honor.

One of the most unique awards given out at the banquet is the Golden Hammer, which is presented to the rower who records the highest erg score during the season. The 2015 recipient was Katie Ognovich.

The novice team also doled out a couple of honors. Freshman Lauren Bishop received the Most Valuable Novice award and sophomore Elizabeth Tracy took home the Most Inspirational Novice award.