BUFFALO — The Canisius rowing program announced that it has signed to incoming student-athletes to NLIs on Monday. Maxine McGuire (Cleveland, Ohio) and Catherine Gallagher (Cleveland, Ohio) have agreed to join the Griffs in the upcoming season.
“We’re excited to welcome Cat and Maxine to the Griffs’ Family,” head coach Joel Furtek said. “It’s always great to have teammates choose to come to Canisius, but it’s doubly exciting when they each take their own path to the decision. Last year it was Lexi and Jess from Pittsburgh, and this year it is Cat and Maxine from Cleveland.”
Gallagher attends Saint Joseph Academy and has completed two years rowing with the program. Among her athletic achievements, Gallagher raced in the finals at the Midwest Scholastic Chamoinship, earning a silver medal, as well as earning a bronze medal at the Head of the Cuyahoga in the fall season. Gallagher has also proved to be as skilled in the classroom, earnoing SJA Honors in 2013-2014, and SJA High Honors in 2014-15 and 2015-16. She also has garnered an Athletic Academic Achivement Award every season of competition, as well as the Jaguar Pride Award Leadership award given to one athlete per season.
“Cat has been on our radar for a while and it became clear very early on that Canisius was a great fit for her,” Furtek said. “She is a strong, hard-working athlete and will thrive in our intense training environment. Her great academics and positive attitude reflect our team overall and will serve her well.”
McGuire also has an impressive list of achievements, having rowed with her fellow teammate, Gallagher, at Saint Josephs. McGuire earned the Top Oar Award in her junior season, as well as serving as team captain that year. At the Midwest Scholastic Championship, McGuire placed second in the second varsity four, third in the second varsity eight, and first in the varsity eight. At the head of the Cuyahoga she took first-overall in the women’s two.
“Maxine is an awesome boat-mover who leads with her oar — this fall she won the Open Pair a the Head of the Cuyahoga and has been stroking the varsity eight for St. Joseph Academy,” Furtek said. “She is motivated to excel in everything that she does, and on her visit she immediately connected with our team.
“Our program has a history of freshmen challenging upperclass rowers right out of the gate, and we expect Cat and Maxine to join that story,” Furtek said.
from GoGriffs.com via IFTTT