Neihart Named Big 12 Rower of the Year

NORMAN – Oklahoma's Maegan Neihart was named the 2016 Big 12 Rower of the Year, the conference announced Tuesday.

Neihart, a native of Bethany, Okla., is a two-time All-Big 12 Team selection and most recently rowed in the four seat of the Sooner first varsity eight that took second place in its division at the 2016 Big 12 Championship. The performance propelled Oklahoma to a second-place finish as a team at the regatta.

The junior has rowed in OU's first varsity eight for the past two seasons. As a freshman, Neihart competed in the OU first varsity four that finished in 18th place at the 2014 NCAA Championships. She is also a two-time Academic All-Big 12 team selection.

“I'm so happy to see Maegan recognized by the Big 12 for her outstanding performance this season,” OU head coach Leeanne Crain said. “She set the tone every day in practice with her competitive spirit and desire to push the team forward. She's tough as nails and a joy to coach.”

Neihart is the fourth Sooner to earn the conference rower of the year in OU's eight years as a program, joining Kristin Clift (2014), Nikki Furmanek (2013) and Rebecca Staff (2012).