Jayhawks advance four boats to grand finals
SARASOTA, Fla. – Kansas rowing had a successful first day at the Sunshine State Invite, as the Jayhawks had four boats secure lanes in the grand finals on Friday afternoon at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, Florida.
On the first day of racing, the Jayhawks started strong with the Second Varsity Four setting the tone for the weekend and being the first KU shell into the grand finals. The Wakarusa placed third, coming in behind No. 18 Alabama and UCF, with a time of 7:43.79.
The Third Varsity Eight followed in the Wakarusa’s footsteps with a third-place finish (7:07.94) and advanced to the grand final. Kansas’ Second Varsity Eight (Ad Astra) also advanced to the grand final after crossing the finish line ahead of Clemson for third place with a time of 6:43.7.
Wave the Wheat wrapped up the afternoon in the First Varsity Eight race, crossing the finish line in 6:35.25 and a grand final spot of its own.
QUOTES
Head coach Carrie Cook-Callen
On the Jayhawks advancing four to the Grand Finals:
“The team executed our race plan much cleaner and raced much closer to their potential today. The experience we gained in New Jersey and the good practices we have had in the weeks since helped us do well today. Our goal was to position ourselves in the grand final and we accomplished that in four of the five events. We look forward to another great day of racing tomorrow.”
UP NEXT
The Sunshine State Grand Finals conclude the weekend of racing on Saturday, April 6. The First Varsity Eight begins the final day competition at 7:25 a.m. (CT).
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