Wisconsin lightweight rowing announces incoming class for fall
March 07, 2019 | Lightweight Rowing
Badgers add 11 to the roster for the fall of 2019
MADISON, Wis. -- The Wisconsin women's lightweight rowing team announced the addition of 11 student-athletes to the Badgers' program, head coach Dusty Mattison announced Wednesday. The class features an elite pool of rowers from all over the country and state.
"The incoming class of 2019 is switched on and ready to be Badgers!," Mattison said. "They want to be here and make a difference right away which is exactly the energy you hope for from the incoming freshmen. In addition, they are a group who values the team above themselves which will be an amazing combination with our walk-on novices. Karly and I can't wait to see them rep the 'W'!"
Morgan Beghtol - Davenport, Iowa (Bettendorf High School) Â
A native of Davenport, Iowa, Beghtol currently rows with Y Quad Cities Rowing in Moline, Illinois. Last May, Beghtol won both the varsity girls' quad and the lightweight double sculls event at the Midwest Rowing Championships. She also attended the USRowing Youth National Championships in Rancho Cordova, California, last June, claiming the lightweight double sculls title.
Why are you excited to be a Badger?
"When I first started my college search I wasn't sure what I wanted or what I was looking for. Stepping foot on Wisconsin's campus made me feel like this was meant to be my home. I'm so happy with my decision and can't wait to contribute to the fun atmosphere of UW!"
Madison Cofer - Feeding Hills, Mass. (Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club)
A product of Feeding Hills, Massachusetts, Cofer began rowing in her freshman year of high school, spending the last four years rowing for Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club. Cofer rowed in the U-19 girls' pairs at the U.S. Rowing Club nationals last July, placing 18th in the boat class.
Why are you excited to be a Badger?
"I am excited to be a Badger and be a part of a new big family! Also I'm excited to experience a new city and meet new people! Moving away from my home town will allow me to have a whole new kind of experience and atmosphere."
Grace DeNunzio - Nashville, Tenn. (Nashville Rowing Club)
A native of Nashville, Tennessee, DeNunzio joins the Badgers after spending her prep years rowing for Nashville Rowing Club. Among her notable rowing achievements, DeNunzio placed second in the women's youth lightweight category at the Music City Erg Sprints in 2018.
Why are you excited to be a Badger?
"I am excited to be a Badger because of the unique traditions of the school and especially because of Wisco's history of excellence in athletics. I'm also thrilled to be a member of a team with such a deep history of rowing."
Mackenzie Friedman - Boulder, Colo. (Colorado Junior Crew/Ralston Valley High School)
Friedman joins Wisconsin rowing program from Colorado Junior Crew. She has found success as a coxswain in both the women's eight and the women's four events.
Why are you excited to be a Badger?
"I am excited to be a Badger because Wisconsin offers the perfect balance of academics and athletics in an incredible college town!"
Maia Glantz - Newport Beach, Calif. (Newport Sea Base Rowing)
A Newport Beach, California native, Glantz has rowed for Newport Sea Base Rowing.
Why are you excited to be a Badger?
"I'm excited to be a Badger because I can't wait to be part of a new team, create new memories with new friends and explore the vast educational opportunities Wisconsin has to offer. I remember as I was walking into Camp Randall for a football game everywhere I turned people were representing the Badgers. Being a Badger is much more than an individualistic thing; rather, it will teach me the importance of inclusivity and community."
Anna Murjikneli - Annapolis, Md. (Annapolis Junior Rowing)
Murjikneli joins the women's program after rowing for TBC Rowing, Montgomery Boat Club and Annapolis Junior Rowing. Among her achievements in the sport, Murjikneli took home third place at the Mid-Atlantic Erg Sprints / World Rowing Indoor Championship and won gold with TBC Rowing in the U-17 Eight at Royal Canadian Henley in 2018.
Why are you excited to be a Badger?
"I'm excited to be a Badger because when I came on campus it clicked for me so I knew this was the place for me. Everyone was so friendly and had so much school spirit. The team was so inviting and it felt like a family."
Alexandra Rios  - Pompano Beach, Fla. (Pine Crest School)
Originally hailing from Montgomery, Alabama, Rios has spent the last three years rowing for Pine Crest School after moving to Pompano Beach, Florida, for high school. Notably, she was a member of the junior girls four crew that took second at the Scholastic Rowing Association of America National Championship Regatta last June.
Why are you excited to be a Badger?
"Being a part of the Badger family, not only as a student but also as an athlete, is such an honor. I come from a school that is not very sports-focused so I am very excited to be surrounded by the tremendous school pride at Wisconsin. I also am so happy to be going to Wisconsin because the resources and support network for the rowers are incredible! Oh, and I can't wait to finally see snow!!!"
Abbigale Sanders - Minnetonka, Minn. (Twin Cities Youth Rowing Club/Minnetonka High School)
Incoming freshman Abbigale Sanders joins the Badgers' rowing program after spending her prep years with TCYRC. A native of Minnetonka, Minnesota, Sanders also competes in swimming, helping her team to a sectional title in 2016.
Why are you excited to be a Badger?
"I am most excited to be a Badger because of how energetic and hard working everyone is. Badgers know how to work hard while having fun. I also think that the atmosphere and the people are what made it feel like a second home to me."
Lauren Savage - Palatine, Ill. (William Fremd High School)
Hailing from Palatine, Illinois, Savage spends nearly all her time in water, competing in both swimming and water polo in addition to rowing. An accomplished swimmer, Savage has claimed titles at the conference, sectional and state level, and looks to find the same success with the rowing program.
Why are you excited to be a Badger?
"I am excited to become a Badger because it is the start of many new friendships and it represents a huge personal growth opportunity for me as a person, student and athlete. I want to create my own memories at Wisconsin just like my grandmother did. She attended UW 56 years ago and always took the time to share her stories about riding down Bascom Hill on a lunch tray."
Grace Stuckey - Baraboo, Wis. (Baraboo High School)
A local hailing from Baraboo, Stuckey joins the Wisconsin rowing program as a year-round athlete, having also competed in basketball, volleyball and track and field in high school. Stuckey will compete as a coxswain this fall after graduating from Baraboo High School.
Why are you excited to be a Badger?
"I have dreamed of being a Badger my whole life! It means so much that I am fortunate to represent my home state that I love with my whole heart!"
Margaret Terry - Bedford, N.Y. (Greenwich Crew)Â
Terry joins the rowing program from Bedford, New York, where she currently races with Greenwich Crew. Most notably, Terry rowed three seat in the Greenwich Crew lightweight eight boat that claimed the national title in their category at the 2018 US Rowing Youth National Championships last June. She also raced to a top-20 finish in the Under-19 individual 2K at the Connecticut Indoor Rowing Championships in January of 2018.
Why are you excited to be a Badger?
"I am excited to be a Badger because I love the welcoming environment of the team and I can't wait to be a part of it."
"The incoming class of 2019 is switched on and ready to be Badgers!," Mattison said. "They want to be here and make a difference right away which is exactly the energy you hope for from the incoming freshmen. In addition, they are a group who values the team above themselves which will be an amazing combination with our walk-on novices. Karly and I can't wait to see them rep the 'W'!"
Morgan Beghtol - Davenport, Iowa (Bettendorf High School) Â A native of Davenport, Iowa, Beghtol currently rows with Y Quad Cities Rowing in Moline, Illinois. Last May, Beghtol won both the varsity girls' quad and the lightweight double sculls event at the Midwest Rowing Championships. She also attended the USRowing Youth National Championships in Rancho Cordova, California, last June, claiming the lightweight double sculls title.
Why are you excited to be a Badger?
"When I first started my college search I wasn't sure what I wanted or what I was looking for. Stepping foot on Wisconsin's campus made me feel like this was meant to be my home. I'm so happy with my decision and can't wait to contribute to the fun atmosphere of UW!"
Madison Cofer - Feeding Hills, Mass. (Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club)A product of Feeding Hills, Massachusetts, Cofer began rowing in her freshman year of high school, spending the last four years rowing for Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club. Cofer rowed in the U-19 girls' pairs at the U.S. Rowing Club nationals last July, placing 18th in the boat class.
Why are you excited to be a Badger?
"I am excited to be a Badger and be a part of a new big family! Also I'm excited to experience a new city and meet new people! Moving away from my home town will allow me to have a whole new kind of experience and atmosphere."
Grace DeNunzio - Nashville, Tenn. (Nashville Rowing Club)A native of Nashville, Tennessee, DeNunzio joins the Badgers after spending her prep years rowing for Nashville Rowing Club. Among her notable rowing achievements, DeNunzio placed second in the women's youth lightweight category at the Music City Erg Sprints in 2018.
Why are you excited to be a Badger?
"I am excited to be a Badger because of the unique traditions of the school and especially because of Wisco's history of excellence in athletics. I'm also thrilled to be a member of a team with such a deep history of rowing."
Mackenzie Friedman - Boulder, Colo. (Colorado Junior Crew/Ralston Valley High School)Friedman joins Wisconsin rowing program from Colorado Junior Crew. She has found success as a coxswain in both the women's eight and the women's four events.
Why are you excited to be a Badger?
"I am excited to be a Badger because Wisconsin offers the perfect balance of academics and athletics in an incredible college town!"
Maia Glantz - Newport Beach, Calif. (Newport Sea Base Rowing)A Newport Beach, California native, Glantz has rowed for Newport Sea Base Rowing.
Why are you excited to be a Badger?
"I'm excited to be a Badger because I can't wait to be part of a new team, create new memories with new friends and explore the vast educational opportunities Wisconsin has to offer. I remember as I was walking into Camp Randall for a football game everywhere I turned people were representing the Badgers. Being a Badger is much more than an individualistic thing; rather, it will teach me the importance of inclusivity and community."
Anna Murjikneli - Annapolis, Md. (Annapolis Junior Rowing)Murjikneli joins the women's program after rowing for TBC Rowing, Montgomery Boat Club and Annapolis Junior Rowing. Among her achievements in the sport, Murjikneli took home third place at the Mid-Atlantic Erg Sprints / World Rowing Indoor Championship and won gold with TBC Rowing in the U-17 Eight at Royal Canadian Henley in 2018.
Why are you excited to be a Badger?
"I'm excited to be a Badger because when I came on campus it clicked for me so I knew this was the place for me. Everyone was so friendly and had so much school spirit. The team was so inviting and it felt like a family."
Alexandra Rios  - Pompano Beach, Fla. (Pine Crest School)Originally hailing from Montgomery, Alabama, Rios has spent the last three years rowing for Pine Crest School after moving to Pompano Beach, Florida, for high school. Notably, she was a member of the junior girls four crew that took second at the Scholastic Rowing Association of America National Championship Regatta last June.
Why are you excited to be a Badger?
"Being a part of the Badger family, not only as a student but also as an athlete, is such an honor. I come from a school that is not very sports-focused so I am very excited to be surrounded by the tremendous school pride at Wisconsin. I also am so happy to be going to Wisconsin because the resources and support network for the rowers are incredible! Oh, and I can't wait to finally see snow!!!"
Abbigale Sanders - Minnetonka, Minn. (Twin Cities Youth Rowing Club/Minnetonka High School)Incoming freshman Abbigale Sanders joins the Badgers' rowing program after spending her prep years with TCYRC. A native of Minnetonka, Minnesota, Sanders also competes in swimming, helping her team to a sectional title in 2016.
Why are you excited to be a Badger?
"I am most excited to be a Badger because of how energetic and hard working everyone is. Badgers know how to work hard while having fun. I also think that the atmosphere and the people are what made it feel like a second home to me."
Lauren Savage - Palatine, Ill. (William Fremd High School)Hailing from Palatine, Illinois, Savage spends nearly all her time in water, competing in both swimming and water polo in addition to rowing. An accomplished swimmer, Savage has claimed titles at the conference, sectional and state level, and looks to find the same success with the rowing program.
Why are you excited to be a Badger?
"I am excited to become a Badger because it is the start of many new friendships and it represents a huge personal growth opportunity for me as a person, student and athlete. I want to create my own memories at Wisconsin just like my grandmother did. She attended UW 56 years ago and always took the time to share her stories about riding down Bascom Hill on a lunch tray."
Grace Stuckey - Baraboo, Wis. (Baraboo High School)A local hailing from Baraboo, Stuckey joins the Wisconsin rowing program as a year-round athlete, having also competed in basketball, volleyball and track and field in high school. Stuckey will compete as a coxswain this fall after graduating from Baraboo High School.
Why are you excited to be a Badger?
"I have dreamed of being a Badger my whole life! It means so much that I am fortunate to represent my home state that I love with my whole heart!"
Margaret Terry - Bedford, N.Y. (Greenwich Crew)Â Terry joins the rowing program from Bedford, New York, where she currently races with Greenwich Crew. Most notably, Terry rowed three seat in the Greenwich Crew lightweight eight boat that claimed the national title in their category at the 2018 US Rowing Youth National Championships last June. She also raced to a top-20 finish in the Under-19 individual 2K at the Connecticut Indoor Rowing Championships in January of 2018.
Why are you excited to be a Badger?
"I am excited to be a Badger because I love the welcoming environment of the team and I can't wait to be a part of it."
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