Iowa rowing coach Mandi Kowal resigned on May 31 amid allegations that she overworked a student-athlete in 2008.
Attorneys representing former Hawkeye coxswain Margaret Krusing recently filed a lawsuit that claimed strenuous team activities run by Kowal in 2008 caused Krusing to develop leg problems, leaving her almost unable to walk.
Krusing was eventually diagnosed with extertional compartment syndrome, a muscle condition common in athletes who perform numerous repetitions in one sitting. Krusing underwent several procedures to try to fix the problem.
She transferred to Marquette in 2009 but not before complaining several times to the Iowa officials. Iowa agreed to continue to honor Krusing’s scholarship and pay for the education she pursued at Marquette.
The pending lawsuit may be resolved soon; both sides have approved future mediation to try to reach a settlement.
Kowal took over the program in 1994, when it became a varsity sport, and she was a big factor in the school’s decision to build the $7.2 million Beckwith Boathouse, which opened in 2009.
A former member of the U.S. National Rowing Team, Kowal had recently completed her 18th year in Iowa City.
