Following a record-breaking season for the Iowa rowing team, the head coach and staff was named the Region 4 Staff of the Year by the College Rowing Coaches Association.
By Megan Sprengeler
After building up the Iowa rowing program and leading it to a record-breaking season, the College Rowing Coaches Association announced that the rowing coaching staff was named the Region 4 Staff of the Year.
The Hawkeyes started the season unranked, but after pushing the limits, the team broke through and continued to climb up to the ranks since the first week and eventually reached the highest ranking in school history.
The Hawkeyes ended the regular season at No. 11 and some well-earned pride that they worked hard for.
The coaches were awarded the honor after the team exhibited outstanding success, great team improvement from the prior season, fulfilled the team’s potential, and demonstrated a high level of professionalism during the season.
Iowa’s winning coaching staff consists of head coach Andrew Carter and assistant coaches Jeff Garbutt, Megan Patrick, Megan Fitzpatrick, and graduate assistant Emma Gresson.
The Hawkeyes were able to break yet another school record at the Big Ten Championship, shattering the university’s record for points scored, 116.
“This staff has put in such good work over the past few years, and the success of our crews this year definitely reflects that steady body of work,” Carter said in a release. “It’s really special to have them recognized this year, but in my mind, it truly is an acknowledgment of the high standard our coaches have had throughout.”
The team left Indianapolis tied for fourth, then received an at-large bid to the NCAA Championships two days later. This was the first showing the Hawkeyes made at the NCAA Championships since 2001, when the team earned 15th place.
In addition to receiving Region 4 Staff of the Year, Carter was named Region 4 Coach of the Year.
“In a very patient and methodical way, Coach Carter’s been able to build a top-20 rowing program in a place that many people would look on a map and say there’s no way it can be done,” Garbutt said in a release. “Being in the front-row seat to see him make that happen has been great. It’s been exciting to be a part of the process with him.
“From what I know about the landscape of college rowing, what he’s done is really incredible, and I think he’s very deserving because of what he’s been able to do in a relatively short amount of time.”
Iowa ended the season ranked No. 15 in the final poll posted on May 31 following the NCAA Championships.
