Alabama Rowing Welcomes First Commit to the Capstone
7/18/2007 12:00:00 AM | Rowing
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The University of Alabama head rowing coach Larry Davis welcomed his first official commit, Amelia Houghton, to the Capstone. Heading into its second year of existence, the rowing program has already showed major improvement and shared in some success and with recruits like Houghton, the program is sure to move in a positive direction.
"Ameila brings international and national experience to the squad," said Davis. "The experience she has and the perspective she brings will be helpful to us in developing the kind of work ethic we need to be competitive in the NCAA."
Houghton comes to the Capstone from Pointe Vedra, Fl. where she rowed for the River Bank Rowing organization for three years. In 2006, Houghton placed 10th at Nationals in Cincinnati, Ohio in the women's double scull division. Prior to moving to Florida, Houghton lived in England where she picked up the sport.
"I am so excited to represent the University of Alabama and its rowing program," said Houghton. "I love the campus and the coaches and that was a big factor in my decision. I really liked coach Davis's style of coaching and I felt very comfortable here."
Not only is Houghton unique because she is the first official commitment to the rowing program, but also she brings with her a background in sculling that will broaden the team's base.
"This season we will be teaching our athletes to scull, since it is a good way to redefine rowing technique," said Davis. "Sculling is done in smaller boats and that is where an individual learns to develop sensitivity to what makes a boat move fast. A number of the more competitive NCAA schools are recruiting athletes with sculling experience to enhance their teams."
Houghton, no stranger to competition, has high expectations for herself and the rest of the class of 2007 as they start their careers at Alabama.
"I feel that I can use my sculling background to help the other girls and eventually take a leadership position on the squad," said Houghton. "I want this team to be successful and I plan to prove myself in every workout. We are going to push ourselves to prove to the other girls that we should be here since we are the first recruited class."
Along with Houghton, Davis brings in four other talented individuals to a squad that showed vast improvements throughout the season last year.
"Our goal as a team is to be highly competitive in Division I as quickly as we can and recruits like Amelia will help us accomplish this. And it may, down the line, open up some doors to international recruits. She is a good first commitment for our program in a lot of ways and she will definitely help the team grow."
