Mike Rowe is now in his seventh season as an assistant coach for the Pitt gymnastics team. Rowe is primarily the head coach on the uneven bars and leads the Panthers' recruiting efforts. "I'm excited about the enthusiasm and potential of this year's team. They're talented, driven, goal-oriented and without question, want this to be their year!"
Mike's contributions to the program were recognized in 2007 when he and Jessica Bartgis were named the Northeast Region Co-Assistant Coaches of the Year. In 2009, he coached senior Alix Croop to the EAGL uneven bar title. He also coached Andrea Arlotta, the 2007 EAGL Bar Champion.
Originally from Michigan, Rowe has over 20 years of experience in gymnastics instruction and competitive coaching also in San Diego and New York City.
While in Michigan, Rowe worked at Geddert's Twistars-USA as a head compulsory coach, optional team coach and choreographer. Rowe was an integral part of the women's coaching staff, qualifying all but one gymnast to the 2005 Junior Olympic National Championships, continually producing national champions. He was additionally a member of the 2002 Region Five USAG Coaching Staff of the Year.
"I truly have an experienced, dedicated staff that begins with Mike" says Yohman. "His high energy, enthusiasm and outgoing personality keep the environment lively but focused. He has an easy rapport with recruits, their parents and coaches, along with a well-earned respect among his peers. He is competitive as well as a strong technician in all areas from skills to dance. He is a total professional and is tremendously loyal to the Pitt family and university."
In addition to coaching at Geddert's, Rowe was a clinician for the Region 5 Mini-Congress, Michigan State Congress and various state and region camps. He chaired a National Gymnastics Day initiative to raise money for Children's Miracle Network at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Mich. Mike is currently on the NACGC/W College Gymnastics Growth Initiative and JAS committees.
Rowe is a 1985 graduate of Michigan State University where he was also a collegiate cheerleader. Prior to that Rowe was a gymnast at Western Michigan and in high school. He also danced professionally from 1983-1996, doing international and national tours and regional musical theatre. Mike is currently completing his master's degree in coaching and athletics administration at Concordia University in Irvine, CA. Mike resides in Squirrel Hill with his partner Arturo and their two yorkies, Jake and Isabella.
