USRowing Announces 2023 Referee Annual Award Winners

USRowing is pleased to announce the winners of the 2023 Referee Awards.

Jack Franklin Award – Carolyn "Lyn" Wylder

Joan "Mama Z" Zandbergen Award – Sue-Kyung Farabaugh

About The Winners 

Carolyn "Lyn" Wylder - Jack Franklin Award 

The Jack Franklin Award recognizes an individual for a lifetime of contributions to our sport. The winner of the Franklin Award is selected by the Referee Committee. 

Carolyn "Lyn" Wylder has a proven track record of exemplary service to the sport of rowing. Wylder began her refereeing career with her licensing in 1991. She augmented her domestic credentials by successfully being awarded her international license in 2003 at the World Championships in Milan, Italy. She is only the fifth American woman to attain this achievement.

Over 32 years, she has averaged over 18 regattas per year with almost 600 regattas in total. Wylder has consistently worked events both in-region and out-of-region, including conference championships, national team trials, and national championships. She was named the first female chief of the NCAA Rowing championships, and the only person to have been named Chief Referee at this regatta four times (2003, 2004, 2005, 2009). She has represented the U.S. in an official capacity at several international regattas including multiple world championships and the 2020 Paralympic Games. Wylder has answered the call numerous times, chiefing regattas, putting in many hours as the leader of the Referee Committee, and soothing many challenging situations.

In addition to her regatta work, she has committed countless hours to mentoring referees and working with LOCs to improve the athlete experience. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated the best qualities of rowing and refereeing: bravery and strength. By virtue of her being a referee, she has made the referee corps stronger and more inclusive.

In recognition of her tireless work for the sport of rowing, Lyn D. Wylder will have the national team's women's quadruple sculls named after her.

Sue-Kyung Farabaugh – Mama Z Award 

The Joan Zandbergen"Mama Z" Award for Sustained Superior Performance is presented to one USRowing official who, over a period of 3-10 years, has stood apart from the rest of their peers. The winner is selected by previous winners. 

Sue-Kyung Farabaugh is a perfect example of who the Mama Z Award honors. She has shown a dedication to rowing that is exemplified through her steadfast and calm approach. Farabaugh became an assistant referee in 2015 and passed the plenary exam in 2017. She is a very active referee working in many regattas from the local level to championship regattas. Farabaugh has expertly navigated multiple situations from rescuing a rower, implementing safe waters for all, and managing a deputy role for the PAC-12 Championships. Her communication style should be recorded for all to emulate.  She is an asset to every regatta and staff. Her work ethic, demeanor and ability to seamlessly "fit" with everyone is such a key to success.