HPU Brings Conzemius Aboard As Club Rowing Coach

HIGH POINT, N.C. — High Point University Athletics has named Cory Conzemius the first coach of the club rowing team, Senior Associate Athletic Director Mike Tuttle announced on Monday. A full-time coach, Conzemius will lead HPU rowing for both men and women. The club was started last year and the Panthers will train at nearby Oak Hollow Lake.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to build this program, get word around campus and find people who are willing to give the sport a try,” said Conzemius. “We have a great opportunity to have a successful club-level program at High Point University. I can’t wait to hear from more current HPU students as well as prospective students who are interested in rowing.”

The club rowing team has 16 members who trained on campus last year and are returning for the upcoming season. There are more than 30 team members this fall.

High Point University purchased a brand-new eight-seat boat and a brand-new four-seat boat by Vespoli, which is one of the world’s top racing shell producers.

The Panthers will train at Oak Hollow Lake, which provides a perfect setting for high-level rowing.

“This is a great sport that can teach life lessons and anyone can pick it up, whether they’re athletic or not,” said Conzemius. “It takes as much mental strength as physical strength to get the sport down. Rowing takes a lot of dedication from its athletes and I think the High Point University community will gain a lot from watching and seeing the work that will be put in by our student-athletes.”

Prospective club members don’t need any rowing background to join.

“This might not be a sport that many of our students have thought about trying, but it’s something you can quickly fall in love with,” said Conzemius. “Even those with out experience can get to a high level pretty quickly.”

HPU’s club sports program has grown from just five sports a few years ago to over 20 offerings for the 2012-13 school year.