John Gaskin, who has notable success in coaching and business management, has been named the Director of Rowing at the University of Rochester. In addition to providing administrative oversight to men's and women's crews, Gaskin will serve as head coach of the women's varsity team.

Gaskin has served as an assistant coach of the Rochester program since 2009. In the spring of 2013, he and assistant coach Nicole Felluca served as interim head coaches following the resignation of William Greene.

His appointment was announced by George VanderZwaag, the University's Director of Athletics and Recreation.

"John brings a wide range of experience to this position," said VanderZwaag. "First and foremost, his technical rowing knowledge is significant. Coupled with his successful coaching and business experience, he is uniquely qualified to lead our programs as Director of Rowing."

"I would like to thank the University, the athletic department staff and George VanderZwaag for putting their trust in me to lead the rowing programs and continue the great tradition that crew has in the University and the community," said Gaskin

Rochester rose as high as #14 in the CRCA/US Rowing Division III national rankings in early May. The Yellowjackets were ranked #15 in mid-month. At the Dad Vail National Championships in Philadelphia, the First Varsity Eight women's boat for the Rochester won the 'A' Division race, defeating Marietta College and Emory University. The Second Varsity Eight did not qualify for the A Division final. That boat won the B Division Final by three one-hundredths of a second over Haverford College.

After the dual Dad Vail wins, Rochester tied for 14^th place in the final Division III poll of CRCA/US Rowing.

In his first season on the Rochester rowing staff in 2009-10, Gaskin served as the women's novice coach. He was an assistant coach for both the men's and women's programs from spring 2010 through the fall 2012 semesters.

He directed novice boats to strong finishes at the Dad Vails in the 2010 and 2011 spring seasons. The novice 8+ finished 10^th in 2010 and the novice 4+ finished sixth a year later.

The coach is looking forward to the challenge. "I am excited for the opportunity and for this upcoming season," said Gaskin. "We are returning all of the female athletes from the 1st varsity 8 and a majority of women from the 2nd varsity 8 that performed so well last spring. Looking ahead, our goal is to get the women to a stronger competitive position where we will compete for an NCAA title and the men for an ACRA crown."

Gaskin came to Rochester after 10 years coaching at Forest Hills Public Schools Central High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan (1999-2009). He was the women's novice coach from 1999 to 2002, the women's varsity coach from 2003 to 2009, and the program head coach from 2005 to 2009.

Women's rowing at Rochester operated as a club sport for more than 20 years. It competed as a varsity sport for the first time during the 2009-2010 season. By moving to varsity status, the women's team became eligible for the NCAA Division III Rowing Championships. Men's rowing is not recognized as an NCAA sport and therefore does not have an NCAA championship.

Gaskin has worked as a project manager at Retrotech, Inc. in Victor, N.Y. since 2009. He is licensed as an assistant referee by US Rowing. He lives in Victor with his wife, Robin. They are the parents of Jennifer, aged 29, and John V, aged 25.