Kansas Rowing Opens Spring Season With Impressive Performances

March 24, 2007

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

The <?xml:namespace prefix=”st1″ ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags”?>University of Kansas women’s rowing team opened its 2007 spring season with several impressive performances Saturday morning at BurchamPark. The team squared off against a pair of Texas schools, Big 12 rival Texas and SMU in the six race regatta.<?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>

Despite windy conditions, the team’s first varsity eight boat finished in a time of 7:34.5, 10 seconds behind the Longhorns winning performance. The second varsity eight boat completed the 2000-meter course in 7:51.4. The team’s varsity four boat finished in 8:55.1.

Although the Jayhawks did not win a race, head coach Rob Catloth was encouraged by his team’s performance at the meet.

“Based upon how we looked today, I would say we are within striking distance of Texas as the season continues towards South-Central Regionals,” Catloth said. “We start with the Longhorns every year and while we are a little behind in terms of race sense, I have high hopes for this team.”

The team also raced three novice boats at the regatta, with the second novice eight boat finishing in 7:53.2 while the first novice eight finished in 7:55.9. The novice four boat completed the course in 10:05.2.

The meet was not scored and is the first of three-straight home regattas that the Jayhawks will host at BurchamPark. Catloth hopes that the home meets will provide the necessary experience as the team heads towards South-Central Regionals.

“The goal for these three meets is to build up our experience so that we are performing on all cylinders at away regattas,” Catloth added.

The Jayhawks host Drake and Tulsa next weekend at BurchamPark. The regatta is set to launch Saturday afternoon. Check back with kuathletics.com for all the latest women’s rowing information.

Results

Second Novice Eight

Texas 7:19.6

Kansas 7:53.2

First Novice Eight

Texas 7:38.0

Kansas 7:55.9

SMU 8:36.9

Novice Four

Texas 9:11.6

Kansas 10:05.2

Second Varsity Eight

Texas 7:35.7

Kansas 7:51.4

First Varsity Eight

Texas 7:24.5

Kansas 7:34.5

SMU 7:46.1

Varsity Four

Texas 8:38.6

Kansas 8:55.1

SMU 9:01.5