By Jamie Francis, Mercyhurst University assistant rowing coach

ERIE, Pa.  - Mercyhurst University will once again be the school of choice for a crop of athletes from around the world when the fall semester begins in August. The men's lightweight rowing program and head coach Adrian Spracklen will welcome fourteen to the roster this year.

Of the fourteen, three are coxswains (two of which are female), and the remaining eleven are rowers representing locales as near as Erie to those as far away as Belgrade, Serbia. 

"We're very pleased to welcome these athletes to the team," commented Spracklen.  "Several come with international racing experience and all of them have the potential to help push the men's program in the right direction."

Galen Bernick
Phoenix, Arizona / Tempe High School / Tempe Junior Crew

Plans to major in intelligence studies

"I chose Mercyhurst because of the well-rounded atmosphere. In addition to the academic area, I committed because of the fantastic coaching staff."



Steven Chica
Miami, Florida / Christopher Columbus High School / Miami Rowing Club

Plans to major in athletic training

"I chose Mercyhurst because of the commitment of the coaches and the school to the team."



Anthony Delgreco
Dearborn Heights, Michigan / Crestwood High School / Crestwood Rowing; Wyandotte BC

Plans to major in exercise science

"I chose Mercyhurst because I heard of the great academic programs offered here and I've seen the success the rowing team has had and I want to continue that success."



Erin Devoy
Pearl River, New York / Nanuet High School / Nanuet Rowing

Plans to major in criminal justice

"I chose Mercyhurst because the school was not only beautiful, but a perfect fit for me and I can see myself there for the next four years, both rowing and furthering my education."



Zack Ghalayini
Fairfax Station, Virginia / Robinson Secondary School / Robinson Secondary School Rowing

Plans to major in sportsmedicine

"I chose Mercyhurst because they have sportsmedicine as a major. With the rowing team I'll have the opportunity to race the best teams in the country."



Charles Hummel
Wilmington, Delaware / Delaware Military Academy / Wilmington Youth RA

Plans to major in intelligence studies

"I picked Mercyhurst because they offered my major at a small school."



J.J. Mackowski
Erie, Pennsylvania / Mercyhurst Prep High School / Mercyhurst Prep Rowing

Plans to major in art education

"I chose Mercyhurst because of its great local and national reputation."



Danny Madden
New Rochelle, New York / Iona Preparatory School / Iona Preparatory School Rowing; Pelham Community RA

Plans to major in sportsmedicine

"One of the big things I focused on was making sure that I found a school that fit me outside of the rowing team."



Julianna Ruzbacki
Apollo, Pennsylvania / Apollo-Ridge High School / Steel City Rowing Club

Plans to major in history, math, and secondary education

"I chose Mercyhurst because I love the campus, and the team has an amazing family feeling. The education program is great. I also love being this close to a "shore" even if it is lake Erie not the Baltic."



Patrick Salvatore
New Rochelle, New York / New Rochelle High School / New Canaan Rowing

Plans to major in sportsmedicine with a focus on pre-med

"I chose Mercyhurst because of its close-knit community. I also chose Mercyhurst because of the work ethic of the team and the standard that the coaches hold the guys accountable to."



Conner Sebreny
Crofton, Maryland / The Gunston School / The Gunston School Rowing

Undecided on a major



Nemanja Uzanovic
Belgrade, Serbia / Sports Gimnasium / Red Star Rowing Club

Plans to major in sportsmedicine

"I chose Mercyhurst because it helps students to push their limits in both school and sports. In addition, I heard nothing but great words about the excellence of its education and rowing programs."



Jonas Weller
Ratzeburg, Germany / Lauenburgische Gelehrtenschule / Ratzeburg Rowing Club

Plans to major in economics

"Many friendly people have helped and supported me throughout the admission process that I had no doubts that Mercyhurst would be the right choice!"



Drew Widifield
Westerly, Rhode Island / Westerly High School

Plans to major in biology and chemistry