June 28, 2002

PITTSBURGH - Duquesne University Director of Athletics Brian Colleary announced Friday the hiring of Katie Kirsten as the school's first full-time head women's rowing coach. Kirsten replaces Jeff Lowe, who served as the program's mentor on a part-time basis for the past 16 years.

Kirsten comes to Duquesne after a one-year stint as the assistant rowing coach at Carnegie Mellon University. She also acts as the head coach of all levels and age groups for the Heinz Corporation Rowing Team.

A 2001 graduate of Robert Morris College, Kirsten was a four-year letterman at coxswain for the Colonials. Her accomplishments include two Dad Vail National Regatta championships, three Mid-Atlantic Collegiate Rowing Championships and representing the United States at the Henley Women's Regatta in England.

Kirsten will also supervise the men's rowing club.