Michigan State Rowing Signs Three To National Letters Of Intent
11/22/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Rowing
Nov. 22, 2004
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State crew head coach Matt Weise signed three future-Spartan rowers to National Letters of Intent for the 2005-06 season, the rowing program announced on Monday, Nov. 22. Ashley Holmes, Ashley Wenneman and Kate Williamson combine to bring solid athletic ability and fresh talent to Michigan State rowing.
Holmes, a 5-11 native of Peterborough, Ont., has posted solid performances in rowing throughout high school, posting a reputable 7:35.5 2K erg score. That is, Holmes completes a 1500-meter piece on a rowing machine, known as an erg, in 7:35.5.
"Ashley Holmes has had some success in high school but still has much untapped potential," Weise said. "She will thrive in the competitive environment of Michigan State University."
Holmes was a member of the 2003 CanAmMex team, which features junior rowers from Canada, the United States and Mexico. Participants of CanAmMex are typically one step below the Junior National Squad.
Holmes also participated in Junior National Selections in 2003, but was injured in a collision during seat racing. She finished 18th in the club single category at the 2004 Head of the Charles, one of the world's premiere regattas.
MSU also signed Ashley Wenneman, of Grosse Ile Township High School, to the 2006 squad.
"Ashley Wenneman is a tough competitor with a great amount of positive energy," Weise said. "She is from my hometown and I am glad that she represents Grosse Ile in such a positive light. I am sure she will do the same as a Spartan."
Wenneman runs cross country and participates in synchronized skating, a sport in which she has competed internationally. Wenneman garnered a ninth-place finish in Dearborn Crystalettes in April, 2004. She has qualified for skating state finals all three years of high school thus far.
With a 7:39.3 2K erg score, Wenneman is a strong representative of the Wyandotte Boat Club, where she rows in the spring and summer.
Though Wenneman, listed at 5'6'', is shorter than the average rower, Weise is confident that she will offer a strong contribution to the team as a motivated, accountable athlete.
State also signed Kate Williamson, of Jordan Station, Ont., to the program. With a 7:30 2K erg score and a strong background in rowing, the 5-10 athlete promises to thrive at MSU after a successful career at Dennis Morris High School.
"Kate is an outstanding rower that will be an immediate contributor to our team," Weise said. "She comes from one of the best high school programs in Canada and will be a great asset to Michigan State University."
Williamson runs cross country in the fall, plays volleyball in the winter and rows throughout the spring and summer. She was a 2003 Champion in the open four at the Canadian Schoolboy Regatta and a 2004 Champion in the open eight for that same event. Williamson won the 2003 Champion title in a junior B double at the Canadian Henley. She was also named Rower of the Year at Dennis Morris High School in 2003 and 2004.
After enjoying immense success throughout fall head races, MSU kicks off its spring season on March 12, 2005, in Knoxville, Tenn., against Notre Dame and the hosting Lady Vols.