Men's Rowing | August 24, 2017

PHILADELPHIA – La Salle University head rowing coach Tom Madden announced three additions to his staff on Thursday. Former Explorer Marqus Brown, Erika Jorgensen and Matt Weaver join Madden as assistants to both the men's and women's rowing programs.
 
Brown, who recently made news by saving two dogs who were stranded at the Schuylkill River, was a four-year letterwinner as a member of La Salle's rowing program from 2012-16, and served as captain during his time as a student-athlete.
 
A double-major in marketing and management/leadership, Brown began his coaching career while an undergraduate with BLI Community Rowing. A 2016 La Salle University graduate, the Philadelphia native has most recently been a part of the Saint Joseph's Learn-to-Row Summer Program and also serves as a fitness instructor at RowZone Manayunk.
 
"Having coached Marqus as an athlete, he understands where we have come from and where we are trying to go as a program," Madden said. "Marqus brings an energy and enthusiasm to an athletic group of guys who can look to him as an alum who is still training and trying to compete at the highest level."
 
Jorgensen was a four-year member of the Washington State rowing team, earning Pac-10 Conference All-Academic Team honors three times. During her sophomore and senior seasons, the Cougars advanced to the NCAA Division I Championships.
 
After graduating with her degree in biological sciences, Jorgensen began rowing with Penn AC Rowing Association and became the club's vice president. She was a part of multiple medal-winning boats at the US Rowing Club National Championships and has been a finalist at the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta.
 
"Erika has not only rowed at the highest levels of D1 Women's rowing, but has trained and competed at the highest levels in the country," Madden said. "Her knowledge as an athlete and as a coach will bring a level of intensity to practices that should translate to boat speed on race day."
 
A recent graduate of Penn, Weaver served as captain of the lightweight rowing team during the 2015-16 season. As a freshman, he helped his boat to a bronze medal at the EARC Sprints and was an IRA All-Academic Team honoree as a senior in 2016.

On the coaching side, Weaver served as rowing coach at Winchester College in Winchester, England during the 2016-17 season. He worked to develop a year-long training and strength program for second-year rowers, and assisted with travel and logistics for the team.
 
"I'm excited to have Matt coming aboard the staff," Madden said. "He is a young and energetic coach with an impressive high school and college pedigree. I look forward to working with Matt as he grows as a coach."