Kjell Oswald Promoted To Men's Crew Head Coach
Oswald spent two years as an OSU assistant.

Oct. 1, 2002

CORVALLIS, Ore. - -

Kjell Oswald has been named men's crew head coach at Oregon State University, it was announced Tuesday by OSU Athletic Director Bob De Carolis.

Oswald served as the men's assistant coach for the past two years, beginning in the fall of 2000. Oswald coached the novice boats and handled OSU's recruiting.

In the spring of 2002, Oswald's freshman eight helped OSU to fourth place overall at the Intercollegiate Rowing Association National Championships - the highest team finish ever by an OSU men's crew. The freshman eight placed ninth at IRAs.

"Kjell has been a huge part of the success Oregon State has had in men's rowing over the past two seasons," De Carolis said. "As we looked through a field of outstanding applicants for the head coaching job, it became apparent that the best person for the position was already in our department.

"Through his work as an assistant, Kjell has demonstrated the capabilities needed to be an outstanding head coach; all he needs is an opportunity. He also had a great deal of support from the members of the team.

"Having been at OSU, he has a great feel for the athletes in the program, for the university itself, and for the expectations within our department. We're looking forward to having Kjell in his new position."

Oswald takes over the program from Dave Reischman, who departed in June for the head coaching position at Syracuse.

"I'm thrilled to be in this position," Oswald said. "I've been here two years now, and I've come to know what it means to be a Beaver, so I'm excited to take the reins from Dave Reischman.

"I arrived here two years ago and I thought it was an exciting place to be and that it was a place on the move," Oswald said. "With our recent transition in the athletic department, I think it's even more pronounced.

"You can feel the energy, and I'm excited that I'm in a position now where I'm more involved with that aspect of the athletic department. Hopefully, it will be great for everybody."

Prior to his time at Oregon State, Oswald spent a year as a coaching intern at Princeton University, where he was involved with the varsity and freshmen programs.

As head coach at Lakeside High School in Seattle, Wash., Oswald guided the girls varsity crew to a fourth-place finish nationally in 1999. He spent four years at the helm of the Lakeside program.

Oswald has also served as an intern for the U.S. National Team.

Oswald rowed at Washington from 1993-94 before his career was cut short by a back injury midway through his sophomore year. He began coaching the following season.

Oswald, 28, is a native of Seattle, Wash. He graduated from Washington with a bachelor's degree in History with an emphasis in the history of science.







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