Leibinger Receives OSU's Outstanding Oarswoman; Hester Chosen as Next Team Captain
CORVALLIS - Oregon State Women’s Rowing head coach announced the team’s end-of-season awards Monday, with junior selected as the 2006 Outstanding Oarswoman and junior voted ’06-’07 team captain.
The recognition is yet another accolade for Leibinger, who received All-West Region and All-Pac 10 honors earlier this spring. Hester earned a seat in the 1st Varsity 8 after studying in
“Caroline has really led by example this year,” Owen said. “The consistency of her training and desire for excellence sets the standard for her teammates. As for Jen, she’s a very hard worker with a positive attitude. She’ll do a great job keeping the team motivated and focused on their goals next year. Her teammates recognize that she’s an outstanding leader.”
Sophomore was named Most Improved Oarswoman. Towne posted the team’s fastest 2,000-meter erg score this year and rowed 7-seat in the 1st Varsity 8.
“Kaylie made a lot of progress in her training and rowing ability this year,” Owen said. “She became one of the top athletes in our top boat, which is a great accomplishment for someone in her second year of rowing.”
The Suzanne Wilkins award – which recognizes the most inspirational varsity oarswoman – went to junior , who raced in the 2nd Varsity 8 and Varsity 4 this spring.
“Erica is the ideal team player,” said assistant varsity coach . “No matter what boat she’s in, or what the lineup is, Erica makes the most of every stroke and strives for her personal best every day. She tends to be quiet at the boathouse, but when she speaks up, people know it’s worth listening to.”
The award is named for Suzanne Wilkins, who rowed from 1988 to 1990 and was known for her work ethic and positive attitude. She died in the spring of her 2nd year at OSU, when she was struck by a car on her way home from the Crew Docks. The bike path under the Van Buren and Harrison bridges is also named in her honor.
Freshman Megan Scanlon was named the Outstanding Novice. A walk-on to the team in October, Scanlon earned a spot in the OSU record books, posting the #11 all-time freshman 2K score. She rowed 2-seat in the 1st Novice 8 throughout a successful spring racing season.
“In addition to Megan’s excellent individual performance this year, she contributed to the team and boat success in a number of other ways.” said Novice Coach . “She was admired by her teammates for her dedication to consistent improvement and appreciated for being a voice of reason on the team.”
