May. 1, 2005

Coach Mike Farrey announced today the commitments of four incoming freshman to row next year for the Flyers: Jessica Reed, Laura Reitinger, Kat Hilbert, and Elizabeth Perkins.

Jessica Reed, from Toledo, OH, has been rowing for the past four years at Notre Dame Academy in Toledo, the past two on the school's Varsity 8. Her current coach is Trevor Jones. This year she was elected by her peers as team captain.

Laura Reitinger of Erie, PA, has rowed under coach Rachel Pytlarz-Schroek for Mercyhurst Prep for four years and is also team captain. Laura has attended numerous summer camps throughout her high school rowing career in preparation for collegiate rowing.

Mercyhurst Prep teammate Kat Hilbert also joins the Flyers next year. A veteran of the Varsity 4 and Varsity 8 boats throughout high school, Kat is excited to get to campus to start making a push for the top boats.

Elizabeth Perkins joins the Flyers from Louisville, KY. She sits stroke seat in the Varsity 4 for Assumption High School, where she has been rowing since her sophomore year. During the summer months she rows with the Louisville Rowing club under coach Bob Hurley.

Coach Farrey commented about the incoming class: "All four of these women will make instant impacts in the varsity boats. They come from quality high school programs with great coaching that has prepared them well for collegiate rowing. The experience and athleticism they bring to the team will add to the team's competitive atmosphere both on the water and in the erg room. We welcome them and look forward to watching their development."