The Canisius College rowing team has signed a pair of rowers to National Letters of Intent, as announced by head coach Joel Furtek. Hannah Blum and Corrine Kickel will join the Golden Griffins beginning next season in 2012-13.

"I'm extremely pleased with this first class of incoming student-athletes. With our new program's short lead-time we focused on attracting the prototypical Golden Griffins -- and we have succeeded," said Furtek. "Both Hannah Blum and Corrine Kickel are outstanding students from great schools, and both have demonstrated speed in high school and potential for great growth in college."

A Buffalo-native, Blum is currently in her senior year at Nardin Academy. As coxswain, she enters her fourth year of rowing for the Gators under the direction of coach John Cartus. In addition, she rows for the Westside Rowing Club. Blum intends to study education at the College in the fall.

"Hannah brings the passion and fire that we seek in all of our team, and especially from our coxswains," spoke Furtek of Blum. "At this year's Head of the Charles Regatta, I watched her course as she came under the Eliot Bridge -- and she nailed it!  I look forward to her return to the Charles as a Griff!"

Kickel currently in her fourth season at Mercyhurst Prep in Erie, Pa. for coach Mitch Wells. As a Laker, she was named the Most Improved Rower in both the 2009 and 2011 seasons. 

"Corrine personifies what we want our team to be: competitive, supportive, and inclusive," said Furtek of Kickel. "In addition to her own training, Corrine took a leadership role in welcoming novices into the team and in motivating her teammates to excel in their own training.  She is a thoughtful, persistent student-athlete who will thrive in the Canisius system -- both on the water and in the classroom."

The Golden Griffins successfully opened its first year as a varsity program this past fall, racing in The Head of the Genesee and The Head of the Fish. As the program continues to build through their inaugural spring season, Furtek is excited to welcome his second class on the campus of Canisius College next fall.   

"We can't wait for Hannah and Corrine to join us next fall on campus and at the Fontana Boathouse, and are excited to continue developing relationships with their future teammates," said Furtek. "It's a great time to be a Griff!"