| Michael Rowe |
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Phone: (412) 648-8327 E-mail: mrowe@athletics.pitt.edu
Mike Rowe is now in his fourth year 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 think we are definitely heading in the right direction, and I can see changes already, said Rowe. "We're recruiting more talented and competitive gymnasts and it's exciting to see how they're making a difference in our program. This year's bar squad has bigger skills and is more disciplined, which is evident from their pre-season success in the gym. We're working on carrying that into the competitive arena on a consistant basis."
His immediate contributions to the program were recognized in 2007 when he and Jessica Bartgis were named the Northeast Region Co-Assistant Coaches of the Year. Also in 2007, Rowe coached all-arounder Andrea Arlotta to the EAGL title on bars.
Originally from Michigan, Rowe has over 20 years of experience in gymnastics instruction and competitive coaching.
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, and he continually produced national champions. He was additionally a member of the 2002 Region Five USAG Coaching Staff of the Year.
"The club Mike came from is known for the number of gymnasts they annually send to Junior Nationals, as well as the NCAA gymnasts they have produced," Yohman said of Rowe's experience. "He was highly respected throughout Region 5 and learned from the best. His easy rapport with people transitioned well to our gym and on the recruiting circuit. In addition, he brings an added plus to our program with a background in choreography.
"Mike demands effort from the team, but he is easy to work with" continued Yohman. "His high energy and outgoing personality keep the gym environment lively but focused. While JB is more laid back, Mike brings a high level of enthusiasm to the work-outs. They are both very competitive and both are technicians. I feel this staff has some dimensions not usually seen within a collegiate staff, so we're unique."
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.
Rowe is a 1985 graduate of Michigan State University where he was a collegiate cheerleader. Prior to that Rowe was a gymnast at Western Michigan and in high school. He also danced professionally from 1983-1996, mostly in regional and national tours of musical theatre.
