May 29, 2003

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Jenny Hale has resigned her position as head coach of the Kansas State rowing program to pursue other interests, director of athletics Tim Weiser announced Thursday.

The only varsity women's rowing coach in school history, Hale recently completed her seventh season at the helm of Wildcat rowing and in that time laid a foundation for the future of the program at K-State.

"For the past seven years I have enjoyed the challenge and opportunity of helping to build K-State's women's rowing program from a club-based level to a varsity-funded program within the athletic department," Hale said. "The program has risen into the top third of all rowing programs in the country and this spring achieved a top 25 ranking in the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association national poll. I am tremendously proud and thankful for the hard work that literally hundreds of individuals have generously contributed toward building the program to this level. With the continued support and funding of this sport and the completion of a new team facility, the program's success will no doubt continue."

Hale directed the K-State crew to a number of milestone victories during her tenure, including multiple Kansas Cup wins. She also led the Wildcat Varsity 8+ to an 11th-place finish at the 1999-2000 Central Division Championships and this past season guided the crew to a 13th-place finish at regionals.

"The ultimate privilege has been to coach and work with the 400+ student-athletes, the assistant coaches, managers, support staff, parents, alumni and donors who have impacted our program in the past seven years," Hale added. "These individuals have formed the backbone of Kansas State Rowing and it is for this extraordinary group of people for whom I extend my greatest respect and thanks."

Weiser said he appreciated Hale's dedication to building the program. He also indicated a national search to fill the position would begin immediately.

"Clearly, with the boat house construction to begin soon, she has left us in a much better place than she found us," Weiser said. "We wish Jenny well in her future endeavors."