Steenstra tapped as interim head rowing coach at Bates
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Peter Steenstra |
LEWISTON, Maine — Former Bates assistant coach Peter Steenstra has been appointed interim head rowing coach at Bates College for the 2008-09 academic year, Director of Athletics Kevin McHugh announced on Monday.
Steenstra served as Bates’ assistant rowing coach during the 2007-08 academic year under former head coach Andrew Carter, whose resignation was announced Wednesday. Steenstra helped coach both the Bobcat men and women to successful years while also acting as the programs’ recruiting coordinator. The women’s team finished fifth at the 2008 NCAA Division III Women’s Rowing Championships in their second straight appearance at nationals, while the men’s varsity eight ranked No. 5 in New England.
“Bates is most fortunate to have an experienced, quality coach ready to lead the program,” said McHugh. “We look forward to Peter providing the excellent guidance and skilled leadership that will keep both rowing teams competitive with the best programs in the country.”
Steenstra has vast experience in rowing, beginning with his career on the men’s varsity eight at Hobart College, where he graduated in 1996. Steenstra coached the men’s and women’s novice crews at Colby College for three years, then was the head coach of the men’s and women’s crew club at The Ohio State University from 1999 to 2006. Steenstra also coached at Cornell University, first as varsity assistant coach of the heavyweight men and then as the assistant women’s coach, while earning a master of science degree in sports management from Ithaca College.