Michael Rowe Hometown: Kenton, Ohio Position: Assistant Coach Birthdate: 05/13/1960 Alma Mater: Michigan State, '85

Phone: (412) 648-8327

E-mail: mrowe@athletics.pitt.edu

Mike Rowe is now in his third year as an assistant coach for the Pitt gymnastics team. His immediate contributions to the program were recognized last season when he was named the Northeast Region Co-Assistant Coach of the Year. Rowe is primarily the head coach on the uneven bars, and he is also in charge of recruiting efforts.

"I think we are definitely heading in the right direction, and I can see changes already, said Rowe. "My event is bars, and JB and I co-coach tumbling; JB can spot a lot of the girls on floor so I'm not running back and forth on the floor. As a staff we are more well-rounded. We call out to each other across the gym to say "Hey check this out!" I think we complement each other really well. It is refreshing and nice."

Rowe has strengthened the uneven bars lineup, and last season he coached senior Andrea Arlotta to the league title on that event. Pitt spent time ranked in the NCAA's top 25 on the uneven bars under his guidance.

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 dimension to our program with a background in choreography.

"Mike demands effort from the team, but he is easy to work with. His high energy and outgoing personality keep the gym environment lively but focused."

In addition to coaching at Geddert's, Rowe was a clinician for the Region Five 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 both Western Michigan and in high school. He also danced professionally from 1983-1996, mostly in regional and national tours of musical theatre.