Nich Lee Parker & Will Solberg Win USRowing Fan Choice Awards
10/19/2016 10:30:00 AM | Lightweight Rowing
Portions courtesy USRowing.com
PRINCETON, N.J. – Columbia lightweight rowing's Nich Lee Parker and Will Solberg were recognized as 2016 USRowing Fan's Choice Award winners on October 18. Lee Parker was tabbed as Collegiate Coach of the Year and Solberg claimed Collegiate Athlete of the Year by virtue of receiving the most votes in an online poll.
USRowing's Fan's Choice Awards embody excellence in rowing by showcasing top performances over the current year.
Nich Lee Parker guided Columbia University's lightweight program to a national championship at the 2016 IRA Championships, the first IRA crown for any Columbia crew since 1929. Columbia posted a 9-1 regular season record and earned the WIT, Geiger and Subin Cups, as well as silver at the EARC Sprints.
A member of the near-perfect Columbia lightweight varsity eight, Will Solberg won gold at the 2016 IRA Championships and silver at the Eastern Sprints. Solberg is currently the American record holder for the 30-minute erg piece, and the world record holder for the lightweight half marathon, 24-hour row and hour row.
“Congratulations to all of our 2016 winners, and thank you to all the fans who nominated, voted and spread the word about the competition,” said Beth Kohl, USRowing Chief Marketing Officer. “This year we had a record-breaking number of nominations. Each and every finalist had an inspiring story, keeping the voting close throughout and reaffirming that 2016 was an incredible year for our sport from coast to coast and on an international stage. We look forward to honoring the winners and their accomplishments at Golden Oars.”
The winners will be honored at the sixth-annual Golden Oars Awards Dinner on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016, at the New York Athletic Club in New York City:
