Marietta names Central Florida assistant coach to lead men's rowing program

Apr. 20, 2005
MARIETTA, Ohio — University of Central Florida men’s assistant coach Chris Pucella, a native of Brooklyn, N.Y., has been hired as Marietta College’s new men’s crew coach, according to Debora Lazorik, Director of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation.

Pucella is the fifth coach at Marietta since 1959. He replaces John Bancheri, who has led the Pioneer Navy since 1994.

Pucella has spent the past two seasons as the Knight’s assistant coach. While at UCF he helped build the novice program from 12 to 30 rowers.

“I am excited to welcome Chris to Marietta College and the athletics department,” said Lazorik. “Under Chris’ leadership we look forward to continuing the success and national prominence of our men’s crew program.”

During the summer of 2004, Pucella created the first competitive summer rowing program for high school rowers in the central Florida area (http://camp.ucfcrew.com). Under his leadership, the team reached the finals of both the men’s junior 4+ and 8+ at the National Championships in Indianapolis.

“This is a great opportunity for me,” said Pucella, who will start at MC in the summer. “My goal is to continue the progress of John Bancheri in the development of Marietta rowing as one of the best programs in the nation. The ultimate goal remains the same, to win the Varsity 8 at Dad Vails on a consistent basis.”

Prior to his time at UCF, Pucella was the men’s head coach at Edgewater High School in Orlando, Fla. Pucella’s Varsity Eight won the gold medal and his JV Eight took the bronze at the 2002 Florida State Championships.

Pucella also served three years as the head coach of the West Side Rowing Club in Buffalo, N.Y. During his tenure, the West Side rowers were among the best in the state and never placed a boat lower than third.

As a rower, Pucella has won medals from the Dad Vails, Royal Canadian Henley and U.S. Nationals. Pucella was awarded a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1997 and a Masters of Education in 2002 — both from the University of Buffalo.

“Chris greatly appreciates the tradition of MC crew and brings with him a great deal of enthusiasm and energy. He will work hard to ensure the academic and athletic success of our student athletes.”

In addition to his coaching duties at Central Florida, Pucella and his wife Tanya are teachers at Edgewater High School. Pucella has been a 10th grade history instructor since August of 2001.