The Grand Valley Women have won their first event in the Henley Women’s Regatta. In a match race against Auriol Kensington, the Lakers burst off the line to a boat length advantage by the shift. With a comfortable lead established by one minute into the race, the crew lengthened out to a long, controlled stroke and cruised to a victory. The official margin of victory will be posted as easily over the crew from England.

The Laker women advance to the round of sixteen where they will face National University of Ireland.

Henley Women’s Regatta Daily Journal

A hearty congratulations to Coach Keith and his wife Breanna on the birth of their first son! Ryan Michael Bouwman weighed in at 7 pounds, 1 ounce, and was delivered at Spectrum Butterworth Hospital June 17th.

Four Grand Valley rowers have been placed on the American Collegiate Rowing Association’s All-American Team, a tremendous honor for both the team and these individuals. The rowers placed are as following:

2008 ACRA First-Team All-Americans

Men: Geoff Sadek

Women: Sam Morgan, Sarah Zelenka

2008 ACRA Second-Team All-Americans

Men: Ryan League

American Collegiate Rowing Association

Henley is fast approaching and the Laker Navy is ready to go. Grand Valley will have the opportunity to race at both the Royal Henley and Henley Women’s Regattas at Henley-on-Thames, England, two of the oldest and most prestigious events in the rowing world. A men’s’ and a women’s 8+ have been working hard in preparation to race some of the best competition from around the world.

After the women’s program’s remarkably successful season, the coaches announced that the ladies would be taking an eight instead of a four. Two talented novices, sophomores Katie Phelan (Jackson, MI) and Kelsey Arnold (Hudsonville, MI), were moved up to fill the empty seats in the varsity 8+. The women will head overseas Sunday, June 15th to spend time training and touring until their first race against Auriol Kensington on Friday, June 20.

Sophomore Sam Morgan (Clarkson, MI) will lead the crew at stroke with junior Sarah Zelenka (Itasca, IL) rounding out stern pair; Kelsey Arnold will row six with junior Katelin Steigenga (Spring Lake, MI) at five. Katie Phelan and sophomore Kendra Socks (Rochester Hills, MI) will fill four and three seat, respectfully, with sophomore Alex Vander Ark (Byron Center, MI) and junior Kelli O’Brien (Saginaw, MI) finishing out the boat at bow pair. Sophomore Katie Higgins (Pinckney, MI) will cox the eight. Second year coaches Bob Stanage and Mark McIlduff will accompany the women to England with first year coach Ola Nwabara serving as both a member of the staff and as a spare.

The Men’s 8+ will remain in the US to train until their flight departs June 24th. After arriving in the UK, they will continue preparing in anticipation of a possible Time Trial Qualifier on June 27. After more training and enjoying many of the sights of England, the men will race from July 2-6 for the Temple Challenge Cup.

Junior Geoff Sadek (Grand Rapids, MI) will stroke the men’s 8+, followed by junior Blake Donovan (Brighton, MI) at seven and sophomore Eddie Eisenhauer (Grand Blanc, MI) at six. At five seat will be sophomore Ryan League (Grosse Pointe Woods, MI), at four, junior Jeff Slater (Cedarville, MI), and at three, sophomore Breck Davis (Portage, MI). Rounding out the lineup are sophomore two seat Thomas Beebe (Grand Haven, MI), junior bow seat Adam Cecil (Grosse Isle, MI), and senior coxswain Lisa Malloure (Farmington Hills, MI). Junior Justin Ott (Goshen, IN) will be the spare for the men’s crew. Third year head coach John Bancheri will travel with the men as will Denis McLean, Assistant Coordinator of Student Life Sports.

With both crews looking impressive, the Grand Valley Rowing Team looks forward to showing the world what they can do!