National Signing Day 2023: Oklahoma City Rowers Sign with Four Universities   

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Kelli Teel (405) 552-4040 ext 4993
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OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov 9, 2023)– During a National Signing Day ceremony at the Chesapeake Boathouse, five graduating seniors from the RIVERSPORT Junior Rowing team signed early letters of intent to row for schools across the country: Oklahoma City University, University of Michigan, University of Tulsa and Monmouth University. 

“We’re proud of the work these athletes have put into the sport and are excited to see them continue at the collegiate level,” said RIVERSPORT Executive Director Mike Knopp. “Over the years our rowers have earned over $12 million in collegiate scholarships.” 

Athletes include Steve Gwartney, Edmond Memorial High School, who will row for Oklahoma City University; Tacey Moore, Destiny Christian High School, who will row for the University of Michigan; and Aubrey Duggan, Edmond Santa Fe High School, who will be a coxswain for the University of Tulsa.  

Two athletes have signed with Monmouth University. Eli Haragsim of Edmond Santa Fe will row, and Audrey Copeland, Classen School of Advanced Studies, will cox for the university located in West Long Branch, NJ. The Fall 2023 recruits have secured scholarships which have the potential to total over $773,000 for the upcoming four years. 

“It’s rewarding to see their hard work pay off,” said Eric Gehrke, head coach. “These athletes are part of an extraordinary group of seniors who’ve had a significant impact on our program.” 

RIVERSPORT’S OKC Juniors Rowing offers competitive rowing programs for both middle and high school students. 

For more information about the RIVERSPORT Juniors Rowing Team, please visit https://www.riversportokc.org/get-involved/coached-teams/rowing/junior-rowing-team/   

ABOUT: RIVERSPORT OKC is a US Olympic and Paralympic Training Site for both rowing and canoe/kayak. The nonprofit organization has hosted numerous national and international canoe/kayak race events including 2016 US Olympic Team Trials for Canoe Slalom, 2022 ICF Canoe Sprint Super Cup and 2022 Stand Up Paddling World Cup. RIVERSPORT has been selected to host several upcoming international events including the 2025 ICF Canoe Freestyle World Cup and 2025 ICF Canoe Slalom and Sprint Super Cups. In 2026, RIVERSPORT will host the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships. RIVERSPORT is a 501c3 nonprofit located in Oklahoma City.

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