FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 25, 2025

[Wilmington, DE] — The Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) proudly announces the appointment of Kemp Savage as its new President, Paul Bugenhagen as Secretary and Board Member, and the addition of five other new members to its Board of Directors.

Kemp Savage Appointed President

Savage brings nearly two decades of experience as a coach, competitor, and advocate for the sport’s growth to his new leadership role.

He currently serves as Head Coach of Eastern Michigan University’s rowing program, now in his 12th season. Savage has continually served in roles that impact collegiate rowing at large, including the NCAA Rowing Championship Committee. He was instrumental in the development of the new EMU Race Course on Ford Lake in Ypsilanti, Michigan, which hosts its inaugural race this weekend. He is also a longstanding member of the CRCA Sustainability Committee, reflecting his commitment to the sport’s continued advancement.

Savage’s influence extends internationally — he will coach the U.S. Women’s team at the upcoming World University Games. He previously led the U.S. Women’s 8+ to a gold medal in the 2024 World University Game in Rotterdam, Netherlands and a bronze medal at the 2018 World University Championships in Shanghai, China.

A Chesapeake, Virginia native, Savage began his coaching career at Old Dominion University before joining EMU in 2008. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Mary Washington, where he captained the rowing team, and a master’s degree in exercise physiology from Eastern Michigan University.

Paul Bugenhagen Appointed Secretary and Board Member

Paul Bugenhagen, Director of Rowing at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, joins the CRCA Board as Secretary. A FISA Level II and USRowing Level III certified coach, Bugenhagen has earned national recognition for his leadership and coaching success.

His coaching experience spans several prestigious programs, including Bucknell University, Vesper Boat Club, Princeton University, Carnegie Lake Rowing Association, and Gainesville Area Rowing.

Bugenhagen earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in exercise and sports science from the University of Florida.

New Board Members

In addition to Bugenhagen, the CRCA welcomes the following new Board Members:

• Mike Connors, Sacramento State University (Division I)
• Jamie Francis, University of Central Oklahoma (Division II)
• Courtney Moeller, Western Washington University (Division II)
• Jami Montesano, University of Notre Dame (Division I)
• Claire Ochal, Harvard/Radcliffe (Division I)

Continuing Board Members

• Kelsie Chaudoin, Vice President – University of Southern California (Division I)
• Mike Lane, Treasurer – Jacksonville University (Division I)
• Al Acosta, University of California–Berkeley (Division I)
• Meg Conan, Hamilton College (Division III)
• Andriel Doolittle, United States Coast Guard Academy (Division III)
• Clare Doyle, Smith College (Division III)
• Megan Fitzpatrick, University of Iowa (Division I)
• Beth Greene, Ithaca College (Division III)
• Dave O’Neill, University of Texas (Division I)
• Gerry Quinlan, St. Joseph’s University (Division I)

For additional information, please contact Marnie Stahl at [email protected]