 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
2 Herons to participate in US Rowing Development Camp
April 21, 2005
 |
Nicole Balsamo |
 |
Courtney Cioffredi |
GENEVA, N.Y.—Two William Smith rowers were recently selected to participate in the US Rowing Development Camp, June 13 through July 7. Sophomore Nicole Balsamo (Newton Country Day/Centerville, Mass.) and first-year Courtney Cioffredi (Lebanon/Lebanon, N.H.) will spend four weeks training under camp director Kevin Sauer.
“This camp is a great opportunity for both Nicole and Courtney,” William Smith Head Coach Sandra Chu said. “Coach Sauer is one of the best in the country and this camp is the first step towards any pursuit of National Team aspirations. I’m proud of both Nicole and Courtney for having the motivation to apply and the commitment to complete the outside testing that application to the camp requires.”
The Herons are two of only 12 athletes selected for the camp. Balsamo and Cioffredi were chosen based on their 2-kilometer erg scores, their height (rowers must be 5-foot-10 or taller), and a recommendation from their head coach. Across the country, only 48 slots were offered to collegiate women. The top two pairs from each of the six development camps will be invited to participate in the Olympic Events Regatta on Mercer Lake near Princeton, N.J.
Both Balsamo and Cioffredi row in the William Smith varsity eight and they have the two fastest erg scores on the team, 7:28.4 and 7:16.7, respectively. Both also have the distinction of making the first varsity eight as walk-on athletes in their first year of rowing.
In addition, Balsamo participated in a National Team Identification Camp this past November in Philadelphia. She was one of eight participants who made the eight-plus following a 6-kilometer erg test taken by all rowers upon their arrival. As a member of the eight-plus, Balsamo received coaching and was evaluated by U.S. National Team Head Coach Tom Terhaar.