Alabama Rowing’s Head Coach, Staff Recognized with National Honor

On Tuesday afternoon, the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association named Alabama Rowing's head coach Glenn Putyrae as the 2021 Regional Coach of the Year and his staff as the 2021 Regional Staff of the Year.

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The Coach of the Year Award recognizes a head coach for outstanding success during the current season, team improvement from the previous season and shows professionalism and integrity throughout the season. Putyrae has brought the program to new heights in just three seasons with a series of successes, including an upset victory over #8 Tennessee that led to the program's first top-10 ranking.

The Crimson Tide finished second back-to-back years at the 2019 and 2021 Big 12 Championship. First Varsity 8+ earned Big 12 Boat of the week after the group picked up a couple of wins over No. 9 Tennessee, No, 15 Wisconsin and No. 17 Minnesota. The Tide concluded the season with the program's first national championship appearance. Alabama tied with Washington State, Wisconsin and Duke, but earned the 13th spot after the performance from the I Eights in the petite final.

“It is a huge honor to be recognized by our peers for our team’s success this season. Given the challenges we have all had to overcome this season, we are grateful for the honor," Putyrae said. "This season has been unlike any other in my career, and I am proud of our staff and team for what we were able to accomplish.”

The Staff of the Year Award recognized Putyrae's staff for their demonstration in team improvements, outstanding success, and the fulfillment of the team. The staff has 16 years of combined coaching experience with assistant coaches James Mulcahy, Grace Barbara and Madison Keaty.