June 26, 2003

FAIRFAX, VA ... Former George Mason University rower Melissa Rice has been selected to participate in the 2003 Pan American Games as a member of the United States team, becoming the first Patriot rower to represent the U.S. at an international competition.

Rice, a native of Virginia Beach, VA, and a 1996 graduate of Princess Anne High School, defeated her competition twice in the best-of-three final round of the lightweight women's single sculls Tuesday at Eagle Creek Park in Indianapolis, IN. In the second race of the finals, Rice had a time of 9:05.23 to place ahead of Catherine Infantino, who finished second in 9:14.72.

The 2003 Pan American Games will be held August 4-10 on Rincon Lake in the Dominican Republic.

A 2001 George Mason graduate with a degree in health, fitness and recreation resources, Rice joined Katie Stephens as the first four-year members of the Patriot rowing program, which was elevated to varsity status in 1997-98. Rice was a member of the Varsity 4 team which placed first at the Occoquan Chase, second at the Occoquan Sprints and third at the Knecht Cup during her senior year, and she helped the Varsity 8 squad to victory at the Head of the Occoquan event and to third-place finishes at the Occoquan Chase and Occoquan Sprints. In addition, she was a co-captain as a senior, the team representative to the Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) and a peer advisor, helping to teach the University 100 class required for incoming freshman student-athletes.