Rowers Recognized at Spring Banquet

NORMAN – The OU rowing team celebrated the 2015-16 season on Saturday evening at its annual spring banquet, held inside the Lloyd Noble Center. Head coach Leeanne Crain and her staff also recognized a number of student-athletes at the ceremony for their impacts during the regular season.

At the banquet, junior Victoria Wallace and sophomore coxswain Emily Coffman were both recognized with the Most Valuable Varsity award. Both have played recent vital roles in the success of the Sooners' first varsity eight boat. Junior Natalie Grimes was presented the Most Inspirational Varsity award for her hard work and positive spirit throughout the season.

Kalie Heffernan was awarded the Most Outstanding Freshman award for her efforts in the first varsity eight lineup throughout the season. Katie Ognovich earned the Crimson Hammer award, which is given to the rower with the lowest erg 2K score in the season. The sophomore posted an OU program best time of 6:51.6.

Senior Marissa Beene was named the Senior Student-Athlete of the Year, as she finishes college with a 4.0 GPA in computer engineering.

Three novice rowers were also recognized at the assembly. Freshmen Andrea Batchev and Nina Chism were both named Most Outstanding Novice, and coxswain Olivia Conway was presented the Most Inspirational Novice honor for her leadership and hard work in and out of the boat.

Seniors Beene, Brooke Benge, Reagan Collins, Jenny Franklin and Taylor Gillespie were presented their senior awards at the banquet.

The Sooners ended their regular season last weekend in Oklahoma City by capturing their second straight Stone Family Cup victory against the University of Tulsa. OU will begin postseason on May 14-15 in Oak Ridge, Tenn., for the Big 12 Championship.

Players Mentioned

Andrea Batchev

Marissa Beene

Brooke Benge

Nina Chism

Emily Coffman

Reagan Collins

Olivia Conway

Jenny Franklin

Taylor Gillespie

Natalie Grimes

Kalie Heffernan

Victoria Wallace

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