July 25, 2002

GENEVA, N.Y.—William Smith College Director of Athletics Susan Bassett, who oversees the Colleges’ crew programs, has announced the appointment of Michael Guerrieri as the head coach of the Hobart College crew. Guerrieri replaces Zenon Babraj who accepted an appointment as director of women’s rowing at the University of Southern California last month.

“Mike is an exceptional technician and an outstanding appointment for Hobart Crew,” Hobart Athletics Director Mike Hanna said. “He’s shares the Colleges’ philosophy on athletics and its role in educating the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. I look forward to working with him.”

A native of Absecon, N.J., Guerrieri joins the Statesmen family following a successful three-year stint at the University of Michigan. He served as the coach of the freshman men’s crew. This past spring, Michigan earned a sixth place finish in the Ten Eych team standings of the IRA Regatta. His freshman eight lead the Wolverines with a silver medal performance, finishing behind rowing powerhouse Washington and in front of Princeton and the rest of the field.

“Leaving Michigan was difficult because I would have liked watching the three classes of freshmen I’ve coached come together as a varsity team under Head Coach Gregg Hartsuff,” Guerrieri said. “I’m sure their presence will be felt at the IRA Championship next year. However, assuming head coaching duties at Hobart was the next step for me. I feel now is the right time.”

Guerrieri began rowing at Holy Spirit (N.J.) High School in 1984. After winning two schoolboy national championships with the Spartans and competing internationally on two U.S. Junior National Teams, he attended Kent School in Kent, Conn., as a postgraduate student. He raced at the Henley Royal Regatta in Henley, England, in 1989 with Kent School.

A graduate of the University of California at Los Angeles with a degree in sociology, Guerrieri was a member of the Bruins’ varsity eight that won a bronze medal at the intercollegiate national championships in 1990.

Guerrieri earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from UCLA. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. Guerrieri is also an A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer.

Hobart and William Smith Colleges are coordinate, private, liberal arts institutions, located in Geneva, N.Y. Hobart College for men and William Smith College for women share faculty, facilities, and curriculum, but maintain separate dean’s offices, athletics programs, student governments, and traditions. Hobart and William Smith field 21 intercollegiate varsity teams. Over the past 30 years, the Colleges have captured 20 national championships and dozens of conference championships.