Richard Ruggieri Named ACC Coach of the Year

April 24, 2009

Clemson, SC – After leading Clemson to its first ACC Rowing Championship in school history on Monday, Richard Ruggieri was named the ACC Coach of the Year. Ruggieri, in his second year at Clemson, has led the Tigers to a variety of accomplishments during his tenure.

This season, Ruggieri coached five athletes to All-ACC honors, including Hilary Cumbest, Brittany Cummings, Carla Englund (coxswain). He also led the Varsity 8+ and Varsity 4+ to victories in their races at the ACC Championship.

Ruggieri has led the Varsity 8+ to a first place ranking in the South region, as well as a #10 ranking in the most recent CRCA/USRowing poll. The Varsity 8+ garnered ACC Crew of the Week honors twice this season on their way to being named the ACC Crew of the Year.

In his first season with the Tigers, Ruggieri led the Varsity 8+ to the first NCAA Championship appearance in school history. He also earned South Region Head Coach of the Year honors after leading the team to a second place finish in the South region.