Hobart College Director of Athletics Mike Hanna '68 recently announced the appointment of Tom Keller as the assistant coach for the Statesmen rowing team for the 2011-12 season. He will work alongside new head coach Paul Bugenhagen.

This summer, Keller served as an assistant coach for the U.S. Junior National Team. He worked with an elite group of 18 high school athletes, as they competed for a world championship in Eton, England. All four of the boats Keller coached finished in the top 12.

Previously, Keller worked as an assistant coach for the West Virginia University women's rowing team. In his time with the Mountaineers, he coached the novice eights and the first and second varsity fours. Prior to that, he worked as the Rochester Institute of Technology's men's rowing coordinator. Keller coached the Tigers' varsity eight during the 2010 fall season.

Keller was a four-year member of the Trinity College rowing team. On the water, he earned New England Championships in 2006, 2007 and 2008 as a member of the varsity eight. Keller also earned a conference championship as a part of Trinity's varsity four in 2007. In addition, he captured first place in the ECAC National Invitational Rowing Championship in 2006 and again in 2008 as a member of the Bantams' varsity eight. Keller also competed in the renowned Henley Royal Regatta and the Head of the Charles. He garnered the Torch Award, given to team members who have helped foster and perpetuate rowing on campus. Keller graduated from Trinity in 2009 with a bachelor's degree in religion and public policy and law.

Hobart has won six consecutive Liberty League Championships. The Statesmen will open the 2011-12 campaign on Oct. 9, in the HWS Challenge on the Canal.