May 23, 2007
ORLANDO, Fla. (www.UCFAthletics.com) - A program-high seven UCF rowers were recognized by the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) when the organization announced its national scholar-athletes Wednesday.
Headlining the list was three-time honoree Krystina Sarff (Valrico, Fla./Bloomingdale HS). The senior English education major is one of five members of the national ranked varsity eight boat that earned the program's first bid to the NCAA Championships.
Other members of the varsity eight included on the list were juniors Caitlin Pauls (St. Catharines, Ontario/Sir Winston Churchill Secondary) and Erin Riegel (Columbia, Md./River Hill HS) and sophomores Katie Chapman (St. Catharines, Ontario/St. Francis Secondary) and Tara Rogers (Longwood, Fla./Lake Brantley HS). Pauls, a health sciences major, and Riegel, a film production major, were making their second appearance, while Chapman, whose major is undeclared, and Rogers, a chemistry major, are first-time winners.
Also earning her second scholar-athlete honors was junior Laura Bacci (Winter Springs HS). A finance major, she has rowed with the varsity four for most of the spring. Junior Taylor Wiatt (Jacksonville, Fla./The Bolles School) was tabbed for her first scholar-athlete award. The sports and fitness major is a member of UCF's lightweight squad.
"Our athletes are dedicated to working hard both in the classroom and on the water," said UCF head coach Leeanne Crain. "This recognition is a direct reflection of their determination to succeed at whatever they do."
To be considered for the CRCA's National Scholar-Athlete award, student-athletes must be at least a sophomore in academic standing, rowed a minimum of 75% of the spring races in an NCAA or Intercollegiate Rowing Association eligible boat and own a cumulative grade-point-average of 3.5 or higher.
A total of 491 student-athletes from 72 different schools were recognized for their efforts in the classroom and on the water. Since Crain took the helm of the program in 2004, 18 Knights have received scholar-athlete distinction.
Six UCF rowers were recognized in 2006.
For the latest news and information on the Knights, tickets or apparel log on to www.ucfathletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports.