John M. Bancheri - (5th year, Charleston ‘83), Head Rowing Coach/Director of Rowing for Men and Women

Coach Bancheri is a passionate leader who began his rowing career in 1973 at the Atlantic City High School and Viking Rowing Club. He serves as a mentor for aspiring coaches and in 2002 was selected as the Dad Vail Coach of the Year. Coach Bancheri holds a bachelor’s degree in History and Area Studies from the University of Charleston in 1983 and a Master’s degree in History from Marietta College in 2004. Coach Bancheri has built successful programs at Wichita State, the University of Charleston, and Marietta College. In 2005, Coach Bancheri was invited to be the Senior Heavyweight Men’s Head Coach at the Penn A.C. Rowing Club in Philadelphia. His crews have won five gold medals in the Men’s Frosh 8+, two gold medal in the Men’s JV 8+ and four bronzes in the Men’s Varsity 8+ at the Dad Vail. At the first ACRA National Championship in 2008, he led the men to a bronze medal in the Men’s Varsity 8+ and a gold medal in the Men’s Varsity Lightweight 4+. He led the entire team at Grand Valley to a second place finish at the Dad Vail and the teams point championship at ACRA. In 2009, Coach Bancheri led his most successful campaign with a Varsity Women’s Eight that included titles at the Dad Vail and ACRA. His leadership resulted in being chosen as the 2009 ACRA Women’s Coach of the Year. For the second season in a row, GVSU won the ACRA Team Points National Championship. Coach Bancheri is US Rowing level III certified and Power Boating certified. Coach Bancheri lives in Allendale with his wife Jill and their two sons.

Mark McIlduff - (4th year, Dayton ‘06), Assistant Coach and Head Novice Coach

Coach McIlduff was a member of the University of Dayton Men’s Rowing team for four years, served as Captain for two of those years, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry and Psychology. In 2006, Coach McIlduff earned a bronze medal in the Men’s Varsity 4+ at the Dad Vail Regatta and in 2005 and 2006 he led his team to their best-ever finishes in then Men’s Varsity Heavyweight 8+. He also competed at the Henley Royal Regatta in the summer of 2008. Coach McIlduff is completing his Masters of Science in Biostatistics. Coach McIlduff is US Rowing Level II certified, CPR/AED certified, and US Power Boating Certified. Coach McIlduff has assisted in leading GVSU to back-to-back Team National Championships at ACRA.

Lisa Saladino - (1st year, Rochester ‘07), Assistant Women’s Coach

Lisa graduated from the University of Rochester in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience. She was also a Take Five Scholar which awarded her a tuition free fifth year which allowed her to study abroad in Rome, Italy for a semester. Lisa rowed for the University of Rochester for five years and served as Captain for two years. Lisa was also part of University of Rochester’s Club Sports Council as a Representative, Secretary and President between 2003 and 2006. After graduating, Lisa began coaching for Brighton Rowing Club, a local Rochester High School program. In 2009, she coached the Boys Club Novice 8+ to a gold medal at the New York State Championship and coached the Girls Club Novice 8+ to a silver medal in the 2008 New York State Championship. Prior to coaching at Brighton High School, Lisa was involved in the learn to row, learn to scull, recreational and competitive masters programs at the Genesee Waterways Center in Rochester, NY from 2003 until 2007. While at Grand Valley, Lisa will be pursuing her Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. Lisa is a Level III coach and CPR and AED certified.

Geoff Sadek – (1st year, Grand Valley ‘09), Assistant Men’s Coach

Geoff Sadek is entering his last semester at Grand Valley, completing an emphasis in Microbiology. He is a Biomedical Sciences major with a minor in French. Geoff began his rowing career during his junior year at Forest Hills Northern High School, and was named captain his senior year. During his tenure at Grand Valley, he has rowed all four years on the varsity team, served as captain for 3 years, as well as one year as trustee. The summer after his sophomore year he rowed for Vesper Boat Club in Philadelphia. The summer after his junior year he travelled with Grand Valley rowing to England for the Henley Royal Regatta where he led the team to an appearance in the quarterfinals of the Temple Challenge Cup. He made the ACRA Great Lakes All-Regional and ACRA All-American First Boats his junior and senior year.

Kyle LeMoine - (2nd year, Grand Valley ‘08), Facilities Coordinator

Kyle graduated from Grand Valley in 2008 with a B.A in Philosophy and a B.S. in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in German. He was a member of the GV Rowing team for four year, three as a lightweight rower and his senior year as a coxswain. During his junior and senior years he also served on the team’s executive board as Vice President. After graduation, Kyle continues to assist the team as a coach and all-purpose assistant for the ’08-’09 campaign. Beginning in the fall of 2009 he will be pursuing a Masters of Health Administration at Grand Valley. Kyle is a Level I coach and CPR and Lifeguarding certified.

James R Scott, P.E.S. – Advisor

Dr. Jim Scott is an Associate Professor at Grand Valley. He achieved his Bachelors, Masters, and P.E.S. at Central Michigan University, and also got his Certificate-Sport Studies from Moscow Central Institute of Physical Culture & Sport. Dr. Scott has been involved with the rowing team for a very long time and has a boat named after him for his support.

Kirsten A. Bartels, PhD – Advisor

Kirsten Allen Bartels is a Visiting Professor in Liberal Studies teaching a variety of courses and enjoying life back in the States after almost 2 years in Wales. She is continuing to earn her PhD in English Literature from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth. Her hobbies include cricket (the sport not the bug), photography and just about anything outside. Kirsten is very excited about being a part of GVSU’s Rowing Team and is looking forward to a fabulous first year!