MARIETTA, Ohio — Marietta College Head Men's Rowing Coach Chris Pucella has been selected by the West Side Rowing Club to head its Senior Heavyweight Men's Development Camp. The eight-week camp will take place from June 15-Aug 10 in Buffalo, N.Y.

"Coach Pucella with his experience and knowledge of the sport will have a huge influence on the development of young athletes trying to make a next step towards their dream of rowing for the US National team," said Boris Kusturic, Head Coach of Men's Rowing at West Side. "Chris will also be able to mentor assistant coaching stuff and share a wealth of knowledge he has. West Side Rowing Club is extremely happy that coach Pucella will be part of staff this summer."

Under Pucella's guidance, the 2009 Marietta College crew posted another successful season, highlighted by a Varsity 8+ victory at the 15th annual Marietta Invitational and a Freshmen/Novice 8+ bronze medal at the Dad Vail Rowing Championship. In his previous years at Marietta, Pucella has run a handful of summer camps including a technical camp and a learn how to row camp.

"It's one thing to be handed the position, but to be chosen as an applicant is definitely a professional development opportunity," Pucella said.

Pucella has been recruiting for the program and will be working with elite athletes in preparation for the 127th Royal Canadian Henley Regatta, which will take place in St. Catharines, Ontario, from Aug. 2-10.

Select members of the Marietta College Men's Crew are expected to participate in the Senior Development Camp.

"My opportunity at West Side is also an good avenue to continue to get the Marietta College name out to the rowing world. It is good for our program to be associated with this level of rowing."

The US Rowing Team Development Camp program will concentrate on improving the rowing technique and fitness level of collegiate men and women rowers and coxswains. The program's goal is to prepare athletes who ultimately hope to represent the United States at the World Championships.

Pucella is hoping that the Senior Development Camp is not just a one-year stint, but that it will lay the foundation for summers to come so that West Side is a viable location for elite summer athletics.

The West Side Rowing Club formed in 1912 with the purpose of teaching the sport of Rowing to the youth of Western New York. In 1921, West Side sponsored public High School Rowing in Buffalo, N.Y. That same year, The West Side Rowing Club hosted the U.S. National Rowing Championship and won its first U.S. title. Since then, the men and women wearing the maroon and gray of West Side have won many U.S. and Canadian National Championships. From the 1936 Olympics to present, members from the West Side Rowing Club have represented the United States in the Olympics, Pan Am Games, and Elite and Junior Championships.