Nov. 17, 2005
ORLANDO - The UCF rowing team signed two student-athletes to National Letters of Intent, head coach Leeanne Crain announced Thursday.
Erika Venza, a coxswain from Venice, Fla., has rowed with Sarasota Crew for the past two years. She was a member of the Varsity Eight that won the Head of the Indian Creek in Miami this fall and was 19th out of 83 at the Head of the Schuylkill in Philadelphia, Pa. Last spring, Venza's Varsity Four was fourth in the state of Florida, while her novice Four was third in the state the year before.
"Erika is a proven force in the coxswain's seat," said Crain. "She has led her Sarasota team through a successful fall racing season. Her experience will be a huge asset."
Elisabeth Hendrian, a native of Cincinnati, attends Seton High School but rows for Clermont High. Hendrian has only been rowing for one year as a sculler.
"A relative newcomer to the sport of rowing, Beth has a great deal of potential that has yet to be tapped," said Crain. "She is a gifted athlete and will bring a lot to the program."
The UCF rowing team returns to the water in March when the opens head to Tampa, Fla. to take on Michigan and the lightweights go to Winter Park, Fla. for the Metro Cup.