Tulsa Head Rowing Coach Kevin Harris Promotes Two Assistants

Rodney Mott was named the Head Coach of Lightweight Rowing and Richard Ruggieri was named Associate Head Rowing Coach at The University of Tulsa, as announced today by Head Rowing Coach Kevin Harris.

"I am really excited to be able to promote both Richard and Rodney within our organization," Harris said. "The promotions are indicative of the contributions both coaches make to Tulsa Rowing and better reflect how we run our program. I make very few decisions without relying on their input, and it has proven to be an outstanding coaching troika. When we start working on ways to improve our team we have great synergy."

Mott is in his sixth year with the Golden Hurricane rowing team. During his tenure, Mott helped the Golden Hurricane finish second and the 2^nd Varsity 4+ earn a silver medal at the 2015 American Athletic Conference Championship, the Varsity 4+ and 2^nd Varsity 4+ claimed top finishes at the 2015 Knecht Cup, the Lightweight 4+ posted a top mark at the 2014 Knecht Cup, and the Varsity 4+ earned a silver medal at the 2014 Conference USA Championships. He was also instrumental in coaching Emalia Seto, Colleen Wohlrab and Jamie Roloff who competed at the U23 Worlds, and Marissa Catalanotto and Lindsay Crute who raced in the 2015 USA World University Games.

Mott previously served as head rowing coach at Vassar (2006-09), Willamette (1996-2006), Puget Sound (1989-96) and North Idaho (1988-89), and was an assistant coach at Washington State (1988).

"Rodney has done a consistent and steady job of helping to build our program at Tulsa," Harris said. "Whether it's in his role as boatman or as coach, he has made sure that we are ready for practice and the student-athletes are prepared to compete. He's done a great job with our Fours over the last few years, and with Rodney coaching them I know that they are going to perform well."

Ruggieri is in his third season on the Tulsa coaching staff. He was instrumental in coaching the 2^nd Varsity 8+ to a silver-medal finish at the 2015 American Athletic Conference Championship and a bronze-medal performance at the 2015 Knecht Cup.

Before coming to Tulsa, Ruggieri was the head women's rowing coach at Clemson (2007-10), where he led the Tigers to two NCAA Championships, as well as the Varsity 4+ to the program's first national championship in 2009. He also coached at Louisville (2000-07), Bates College (1999-2000), Penn Athletic Club (1996-99), the Olympic Trials squad (1995-96) and was the Head Coach for the U23 USRowing National Team (1994-95).

"Richard has been a fantastic addition to our staff," Harris said. "He has blended well with the team and the student-athletes know that he is always working for their best interests. I have relied on him for a lot of our training methodologies and the result is a measurable increase in our ability to compete at the highest level. It's been great having him here and I am glad that Dr. Gragg has allowed me to recognize his contributions in this way."

Tulsa Head Rowing Coach Kevin Harris Promotes Two Assistants

Players Mentioned

Marissa Catalanotto

Lindsay Crute

Jamie Roloff

Emalia Seto

Colleen Wohlrab

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