May 22, 2006

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Senior rowers Bryan Brown, Amanda Bustos and Becky Watt were awarded Bull Oarsman, Bull Oarswoman and Team MVP accolades after leading the Dolphins to 60 medals as well as program record finishes in the Dad Vail and SIRA Regattas and the FIRA State Championships, it was announced today by head coach Jim Mitchell.

"We are proud of our team," said Mitchell. "It means a lot for our student-athletes to strive to be their best in the classroom, around campus, on the water, or whatever goals they are working towards."

Brown received the Bull Oarsman and Team MVP honors for the men's program. Bustos was named Bull Oarswoman and Watt garnered Team MVP honors on the women's side.

The Bull Oarsman and Bull Oarswoman awards are presented to the team member who has given the most to the program through hard work, discipline, persistence, and determination, and has risen to a respected position in the eyes of his/her fellow teammates. The annual winners of this award are selected by their teammates while the MVP's are selected by the Dolphin coaching staff.

"Bryan and Becky were clear examples of what we look for when we want leaders," said Mitchell. "They both sat in the strokes seat of the varsity eights and both are great leaders by example."

Brown, a member of the varsity eight and varsity four squads, led the varsity eight to a second-place finish in the Petite Final at the Dad Vail Regatta. The finish was the best for JU in the premier event since 1968. Last season, Brown rowed in the men's varsity four earning two gold medals in the Petrakis Cup and Rollins Regatta, while also earning two gold medals in the state championships in the varsity four and men's pair.

A four-year member of the varsity squad, Bustos became a fixture of the Dolphin program, serving as team co-captain during her senior season. Along with her commitment to the rowing program, she also spent time as president, parliamentarian, and Panhellenic delegate with Gamma Phi Beta sorority for four years. She received the University Award for Outstanding Service and Participation in Extracurricular Activities during commencement ceremonies this summer.

Watt, a member of the varsity eight and varsity four squads, finished with a silver and bronze at the Petrakis Cup. As a junior, she rowed in the lightweight four and lightweight eight, earning a gold medal at the Head of the Hooch in the lightweight eight. She earned a gold medal at SIRA's, SERC's, and FIRA's, along with a second-place finish at the Dad Vail Regatta in the lightweight four.

Earlier this year, senior John Hoffman was also awarded outstanding male student-athlete honors after recording the highest GPA (4.0) of all senior male athletes at Jacksonville University.