Sept. 18, 2006

Washington, D.C. - Captain is the traditional customary title given to the person in charge of a ship at sea. However, a captain has responsibilities on land also. All four Georgetown University rowing teams, (men's and women's heavyweights, men's and women's lightweights) have chosen the individuals that they feel can, and should, lead them during the upcoming season.

Being named a captain at any level not only brings with it a level of respect, but also, an even greater sense of responsibility. These recognized few have to lead their teammates by example on not just race day, but in the classroom, during training sessions and many other places.

The heavyweight men's captains are Dave Carter (Moorestown, N.J. /Moorestown), Danny Mendez (Pico Rivera, Calif./El Rancho), and Gordon Erndt (Cincinnati, Ohio/St. Xavier). The men's lightweight captains are Patrick Sheridan (Pittsburgh, Pa./Shady Side Academy) and Mike McGrath (Westport, Conn./Fairfield Prep).

The women's heavyweight captains are Kathleen Hughes (Boston, Mass./Boston Latin) and Erica Rose (Darien, Conn./Kent School). The women's lightweight captains are Dana Goldman (Newton, Mass./Milton Academy) and Marcy Hupp (Kansas City, Mo./St. Teresa's Academy).

"I'm really proud of this group of captains," Head Crew Coach Tony Johnson said. "Typically in crew, we elect our captains by vote of the members of the squad. Over the years, I have realized that there are always many good candidates for captain. In order to assume that role as a captain, they need to understand that their teammates will look for them to be the leaders. That vote of confidence, that recognition by your teammates, gives the captain a great start on being a good leader."

"They are great kids, both personally and as teammates," Heavyweight Varsity Women's Coach Jimmy King said. "It's not what they say, it's what they do. They've been in the top boat for us and their actions and words make them role models for our program."

"It's obviously a great honor to be able to be named a team captain," Sheridan said. "It's a lot of hard work, but it's a different experience from all the other students on campus and that's what makes it so special."

"I'm definitely honored because they chose me even though I'm a coxswain," Rose said. "As a coxswain, you wouldn't necessarily think you were going to be chosen as a captain and to be picked told me that my leadership went above and beyond."

"It's pretty exciting to know that my teammates trust me enough to name me as a captain, especially since it's such a position of impact, "said junior Gordon Erndt. "The team is getting better as a whole, so it's exciting to contribute and be a part of this."

Eight of the nine captains are seniors and they all spoke about how the university has had an impact on them, along with being a part of the Georgetown legacy.

"It's an honor and responsibility to not just be a student here, but to be a student-athlete," Hupp said. "I also think that with the privileges earned through being a student-athlete here at Georgetown comes a greater sense of accountability."

"It means a lot (to be named captain) because I try to identify myself as a Georgetown student-athlete," Carter, who is a captain for the second-straight year, said. "To follow in the past tradition here and be a part of this team's success is special."

"The tradition here at Georgetown and the resources we have, goes a long way into us having a strong program, " Goldman said. "It's exciting to see the improvement every day with this team because it's a great bunch of girls.

The women's lightweight team is coming off its best season in school history and the heavyweight-eight boat capped off a strong season by placing fourth in the BIG EAST. The men's lightweight team is also coming off a fine finish to its 2006 campaign and will try and build on that success, while the men's heavyweight squad is aiming to take down the competition yet again.