ERIE, Pa. -- Adrian Spracklen has been tabbed by his peers as the 2009 Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association National Division II Coach of the Year.

Voted on by members of the CRCA, the award is intended to recognize head coaches whose teams have had outstanding success throughout the current season and who have demonstrated a high level of professionalism and integrity as a coach.

"This award is really another accolade for the team rather than anything," said Spracklen.  "I am very happy for the success of the women this season and also pleased to be recognized by my coaching peers."

For Spracklen, the award certainly is deserved.  The Lakers 17th-year head coach, he guided Mercyhurst's varsity eight to five straight weeks at No. 1 in the polls before his squad captured silver at the NCAA Championships on the Cooper River in Cherry Hill, N.J. 

It was the first medal finish at the NCAA championships since the 2005 squad also earned runner-up status. The 2004 edition won the program's first and only national championship to date.