Kansas Rowing Dedicates New Rowing Boathouse

Feb. 28, 2009

LAWRENCE, Kan.–Kansas Rowing and Kansas Athletics dedicated the new Kansas Rowing Boathouse on Saturday, Feb. 28 at a snow-covered Burcham Park along the Kansas River. University of Kansas Chancellor Robert Hemenway, Kansas Athletics Director Lew Perkins, Lawrence mayor Michael Dever and rowing head coach Rob Catloth addressed the packed boathouse.

Built to withstand a flood event up to eight feet above the lower floor level, the 16,000 square foot facility serves the Varsity Rowing Team as well as the club team.

Hemenway called the event a fantastic day and added that the boathouse is a symbol of the importance of women’s athletics at KU.

“This is a fantastic tribute to women’s athletics at KU,” said Hemenway. “If you want a definition of progress, it’s a boathouse dedication that’s inside.” Hemenway was alluding to last year’s groundbreaking ceremony that took place in the snow.

The highlight of the Boathouse is the Team Room. The multi-functional 2,000 square foot space provides the team a place to congregate and build team camaraderie.

“It’s most fitting as we celebrate 40 years of women’s athletics this weekend that we dedicate this boathouse,” said Perkins. “This is the most satisfying building that I’ve ever been involved with.”

University student body president Adam McGonigle christened the newest rowing boat “Jayhawk Nation.” The boat is named after the student body. Students voted to pass funding for the six million dollar boathouse in 2005.

“I want to give a special thanks to the student body,” said Catloth. “There’s a big thanks in our heart for the student body.”

Rowing opens the 2009 season on March 28 at Oklahoma. Kansas will host Kansas State at Wyandotte County Lake in Kansas City, Kan., on April 11. Kansas will host the first regatta on the Kansas River in 2011 due to construction on the I-70 bridge.