Coaches | Central Catholic Crew

Race results are the most obvious signs of Central Catholic’s success. The success of our graduates at nationally recognized collegiate rowing programs is another indicator. Most importantly, however, the continuing growth of the roster confirms the value of the experience to Central Catholic students.

Coaching Philosophy
Rowing promotes team work and rewards self-discipline and individual hard work. Our coaching staff has a well-defined standard operating procedure both on the water and around the boathouse. This structured approach instills discipline, ensures safety and enhances performance during races. Our annual schedule, rowing technique model and physical training plan are based on best practices found in competitive collegiate and international rowing programs. In addition to hiring the best coaches available, we give them the tools they need to fully develop the team and each athlete.

Jay Hammond, head coach - Jay began rowing at the scholastic level at Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, NH, and continued at Harvard on the varsity heavyweight squad. After college, he coached at Shrewsbury School in England and rowed in the Boat Race for Oxford. Later in the United States, Jay coached the crew at the Middlesex School in Concord, MA, and the freshmen lightweights at Cornell University. Jay joined Pittsburgh Central Catholic as head coach in 2001.

Aaron Lucia '06, novice coach – Aaron is a 2006 graduate of Central and an alumnus of Central Catholic Crew. He rowed 5-seat in Central’s first-ever Midwest Champion varsity heavyweight 8 and was in Syracuse University's heavyweight first freshmen 8 during the 2006-2007 academic year. Aaron joined Central coaching staff in fall 2007 and is the winningest freshmen coach in the school's history. Aaron is currently enrolled in Duquesne University.

Justin O'Connor '10, assistant novice coach Justin rowed for Central Catholic and in his senior year (2010) was in Central’s 1V, which took the silver medal at the Scholastic Rowing Association of America’s national championship regatta. Justin began coaching for Central Catholic in January 2012. His primary duties are assisting with the freshmen and providing oversight of the team’s weight lifting program. Justin is currently enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh.

Emma Keller, assistant coach Emma began rowing at the scholastic level for Our Lady of Mercy HS, a women’s catholic high school in Rochester, NY. While rowing for Mercy she learned to scull, row port and starboard, and was captain for three years. She moved to Pittsburgh to continue her studies in Duquesne University’s Early Childhood Education program and rowed for Duquesne freshman year and part of sophomore year. Emma rowed in the lightweight 4+ and in two varsity 8+s on Duquesne’s rowing team. She is still enrolled at Duquesne University. Emma joined Central Catholic’s coaching staff in spring 2013.

Kyle McCay, assistant coach – Kyle began rowing in college at the University of North Carolina. He was in the first novice boat during the 2008-2009 season. In the 2009-2010 season, he was in the 1V for a short while and then became a lightweight. Kyle began coaching for Central Catholic in spring 2011.

Alan Meininghaus, assistant coach Alan Meininghaus rowed for the North Allegheny Rowing Association for 4 years while attending North Allegheny High School class of 2008. He was recruited by the University of Washington out of high school and rowed for them for 4 years earning two National Championships (IRA Gold medals) and one Pac-12 Championship. While at the UW, Alan studied to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, and graduated in June 2012.

Alan is currently studying for his Masters in Sports Management with a concentration in Intercollegiate Athletic Administration from an online program through California University of Pennsylvania. Alan joined Central Catholic Crew staff in spring 2013 as an Assistant JV/Varsity Coach.

Paolo Raimondi '11, assistant coach Paolo graduated from Central Catholic in 2011 where he rowed for four years. His accomplishments include winning a gold medal on his junior year with the 3V and a silver medal on his senior year at Midwest championship. He also placed 4th at SRAA National championship with the 2V in 2011.
Paolo continued rowing at the University of Dayton where he is studying chemical engineering. During his freshman year at Dayton he was captain of the freshman team, stroke seat of the 1F, and also rowed with the varsity team. In 2012-2013 he continued rowing on the varsity team. He is also president of the University of Dayton Men’s Rowing Club.
Paolo joined Central’s coaching team in spring 2013 while he is working on a co-op at MSA in Pittsburgh.

The staff also includes a number of volunteer coaches who assist the regular coaching staff from time to time.