Central Catholic Crew
Pittsburgh, PA
Race results are the most obvious signs of Central Catholic’s success. The success of our graduates at nationally recognized collegiate rowing programs is another indicator. Most importantly, however, the continuing growth of the roster confirms the value of the experience to Central Catholic students.
stacks_image_EFBA46C5-60F2-4868-9875-C130E5B06EED
stacks_image_D0E041CD-27A9-43B3-B480-352D8AAF0DEE
stacks_image_9F98479E-E56B-4D63-9A7B-404CDFB59500
Coaching Philosophy
Rowing promotes team work and rewards self-discipline and individual hard work. Our coaching staff has a well-defined standard operating procedure both on the water and around the boathouse. This structured approach instills discipline, ensures safety and enhances performance during races. Our annual schedule, rowing technique model and physical training plan are based on best practices found in competitive collegiate and international rowing programs. In addition to hiring the best coaches available, we give them the tools they need to fully develop the team and each athlete.
stacks_image_B3BE0970-5656-4D17-9FDF-8654F47DF1C3
Jay Hammond, head coach - Jay began rowing at the scholastic level at Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, NH, and continued at Harvard on the varsity heavyweight squad. After college, he coached at Shrewsbury School in England and rowed for Oxford against Cambridge. Later in the United States, Jay coached the crew at the Middlesex School in Concord, MA, and the freshmen lightweights at Cornell University. Jay joined Pittsburgh Central Catholic as head coach in 2001.
stacks_image_CD6728E4-D48E-4012-BE67-36BF817DCAA9
Anne Nelson, assistant coach – At Boston College, Anne stroked the first varsity eight for three years and was elected co-captain as a senior. Anne received the Boston College Athletics Senior Excellency Award in 2004 and was selected to row on the All-Region New England Second Team by the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association. Anne rowed for the New York Athletic Club and continues rowing for Three Rivers Rowing Association Women Masters in Pittsburgh.
stacks_image_82579206-A0C6-430E-9E4F-64CFC348E59E
Philip Bohn, assistant coachPhil rowed on Central's team for four years before graduating in 2009 and has returned to coach in fall 2009. He is enrolled in Duquesne University as a music education major.
stacks_image_E445D1AB-3CF3-4DBE-AFA1-EFB8FBE7DFCB
Aaron Lucia, novice coach – Aaron is a 2006 graduate of Central and an alumnus of Central Catholic Crew. He rowed 5-seat in Central’s first-ever Midwest Champion varsity heavyweight 8 and was in Syracuse University's heavyweight first freshmen 8 during the 2006-2007 academic year. Aaron joined Central coaching staff in fall 2007 and is the winningest freshmen coach in the school's history. Aaron is currently enrolled in Duquesne University.
stacks_image_DF8A945B-8B11-442B-8541-3E7C0707C9B7
Lou Marra, assistant coachLou rowed on Central's team for four years before graduating in 2008. He returned in 2009 to coach 4V.
The staff also includes a number of volunteer coaches who assist the regular coaching staff from time to time.