Rowers Advance at Knecht Cup

April 17, 2004

LAWRENCE, Kan. – The University of Kansas rowing team had a successful first day of competition on Saturday at the Knecht Cup in Camden, N.J. All six of the Jayhawk boats made it through to the Grand or Petite Finals that will take place on Sunday.

Five of the six boats will compete tomorrow in the Grand Finals — the 1st Novice 8, Novice 4, 2nd Varsity 8 and two Varsity 4 boats, with the 1st Varsity 8 crew earning a spot in the Petite Finals. To earn a spot in the finals, the team had to first make it through a qualifying round in the morning and a semi-final round in the afternoon.

In singles competition, senior Beth Olson earned a first place finish in the Final A singles race, with junior Erin Hennessey taking third. In the Final B singles race, junior Kristy Hainer took second place with senior Beth Hickey notching fourth. Both singles races had six total entries and singles competition will not continue on Sunday.

“We had a really good day,” head coach Rob Catloth said. “The weather was great and I was pleased with all of the races. I am very excited and pleased to have all of our boats participating in the final rounds tomorrow.”

Action begins at 7:50 a.m. on Sunday with the Novice 4 Grand Final. At 11:30 a.m., the 1st Novice 8 boat will attempt to continue its successful season, as that particular boat has not lost a race this spring.

Following the Knecht Cup, the team will be in competition on April 24 with a three-team regatta against Minnesota and SMU at St. Paul, Minn.

Schedule for Sunday, April 18
(All times eastern)
7:50 a.m. Novice 4 Grand Final
8:30 a.m. Varsity 4 Grand Final (The team has two entries in this event)
11:10 a.m. 1st Novice 8 Grand Final
11:40 a.m. 2nd Varsity 8 Grand Final
12:40 a.m. 1st Varsity Petite Final