Costas Ciungan Joins MSU Rowing Staff

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State rowing head coach Kim Chavers announced the addition of Costas Ciungan to the MSU rowing staff as Boatman/Rigger on Feb. 5.

"We are very excited to welcome Costas to our rowing staff," said Chavers. "Costas's experience and technical skill will be of great value to our program and positively contribute to our spring racing season."

A native of Grosse Ile, Michigan, Ciungan comes to Michigan State after recently serving as the interim varsity head coach for the Grand Valley State men's rowing club in Allendale, Michigan. During his stint at Grand Valley as a coach, Ciungan played a key role in the development of the team and maintaining a strong rowing tradition.

"I am excited to join the rowing team at Michigan State," said Ciungan. "I'm ready to be a team player in maintaining and growing a well-established rowing program at MSU, while continuing my journey in the sport of rowing."

Prior to his time at Grand Valley, Ciungan served as head coach of the Wyandotte boat club in Wyandotte, Michigan. Serving as director of rowing, Ciungan operated and maintained one of the largest high school boathouses in the state and served as a direct oversight to multiple high schools throughout the state. Ciungan played a key role in the development of young rowing athletes, providing them insight in their ability to grow and compete at the next level.

After graduating from Grand Valley State with a bachelor's degree in legal studies and criminal justice and a minor in information technology in 2015, Ciungan joined the staff at GVSU as an assistant coach from 2015-18. While serving as an assistant coach, Ciungan helped in the development of novice rowers and played a huge role in recruiting for the Lakers. Ciungan has also coached for the Detroit Women's Rowing Association and Northview High School.

Ciungan, who is level II USRowing certified, was a four-year starter for the Grand Valley rowing club (2011-15) and served as team president during his senior campaign. Ciungan accomplished many feats during his four years with the Lakers, including silver medals at the SIRA Championship Regatta, the MACRA Championship Regatta and the 74th annual Dad Vail Championship Regatta. Ciungan recently completed his master's degree in public administration at Grand Valley State with an emphasis in public management.

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