Rower in running for national team

By Keith Niebuhr
Published June 6, 2007

Central Florida rower Krystina Sarff has had quite a year.

First the Bloomingdale graduate became a first-team All-American. Now, she is in New Jersey as one of only three college rowers invited to try out for the U.S. national team.

"It's really just awesome, " Sarff said.

Sarff was a second-team All-American in 2006 but earned even higher praise from the College Rowing Coaches Association this year after leading the Knights to their highest regular-season ranking and an invitation to the school's first Division I tournament.

"It's great recognition for our team, " Sarff said. "There's a lot of prestige with that. It will get our school name out there and it will help us get faster because it will help with recruiting."

Sarff's stay in New Jersey will last about two months - longer if she makes the team.

"Anything is possible, " she said. "Right now, I just have to train hard and see what happens."

DIEZ RUNNERUP: Longtime Chamberlain softball coach Bob Diez, who led his program to its third consecutive final four this spring, placed second in voting for state coach of the year honors.

He was topped by Kathy Finnucan of Winter Park Trinity Prep.

Last week, Diez took the top honor in Class 5A.

Chamberlain finished 28-3 and won its 12th district title of Diez's 16-year tenure. The Chiefs' season ended with a 5-0 loss to Pace in the 5A semifinals at Plant City Stadium. Diez also led Chamberlain to the final four in 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005 and 2006. The 2003 squad won state.

In her 24th season at Trinity Prep, Finnucan guided her team to a 29-3 record and the Class 3A title. She has a career record of 508-147.

COLLEGE CHOICE: Tampa Prep swimming standout Ryan Stumpf will attend the U.S. Naval Academy. Stumpf was a Times first-team all-county pick as a senior after placing fourth at the Class A meet in 100-meter freestyle.

[Last modified June 5, 2007, 23:42:57]