Jayhawks Host Dillons Sunflower Showdown and Senior Day Celebration in Kansas City

Saturday, April 11

Kansas City, Kan.

9 a.m. CT

University of Kansas

Kansas State

Jayhawks Host Dillons Sunflower Showdown and Senior Day Celebration in Kansas City

4/10/2026 10:59:00 AM | Women's Rowing

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Kansas rowing will host historic rival Kansas State and Creighton on Saturday, April 11, at 9 a.m. CT at Wyandotte County Lake Park for the Dillons Sunflower Showdown. The first 30 students to arrive will receive a Kansas swag bag upon entry.

"We are excited to host on our home course and look forward to honoring our soon-to-be graduates on senior day," head coach Andrew Derrick said. "I'm also looking forward to our squad getting another chance to show what they can do on race day by executing well. We fell a little short of our potential in Florida a couple of weeks ago, and this is another opportunity to seize the moment."

Racing begins at 9 a.m. with the III Eight boat featuring seniors Lauren Burright and Naida Paschal, junior Andronika Dyer, sophomores Morgan Tenpenny and Audrey Crowson and freshmen Samantha Ronen, Ashley Herbert, Suyin Howard and Talia Copoloff.

At 9:15 a.m., the II Four boat will race with senior Abby Steffen, junior Kayley Chism, sophomores Emerson Linthicum and Isabel Smikahl and freshman Hollis Andreen.

The I Four boat launches at 9:30 a.m. with senior Rory Brennan, junior Sofia D'Ascenzo, sophomore Grace Bailey and freshmen Izzy Rossato and Megan Engerman. The crew is coming off a first-place finish in the B final at the Sarasota 2K.

The II Eight boat hits the water at 9:45 a.m. with seniors Anastasiia Draha, Martina Zbiralova, Catherine Bachovchin and Aylin Schafer; junior Alexandra Robinson; sophomores Kaylie Hellner and Kyra Kavouridis; and freshmen Kenzington Rector and Katariina Peipman.

Kansas closes the morning at 10 a.m. with the I Eight boat featuring senior Kara Lyons; juniors Kathryn Borthwick, Gretchen Schmeirer-Knust, Tya Drennen, Eva Robinson, Gracie Shepherd, Sophie Pense and Ruby Moritz-Cammack; and freshman Claire Van Mater.

The Dillons Sunflower Showdown has spanned more than two decades between the Jayhawks and Wildcats rowing programs. Last season, Kansas claimed the trophy for the second straight year with a 17-5 overall score, winning three of five races, including the I Eight, II Eight and II Four.

HOW TO FOLLOW

Fans can follow live timing through the link here.

Spectator parking will be available for $5 (cash only). Rain is in the forecast, and fans are encouraged to dress accordingly. Covered viewing areas will be available.

For GPS navigation, use: Beach Shelter House Access Road, Shelter 6 Kansas City, KS 66109

ORDER OF EVENTS

9:00 a.m. CT: III Eight Race

9:15 a.m. CT: II Four Race

9:30 a.m. CT: I Four Race

9:45 a.m. CT: II Eight Race

10:00 a.m. CT: I Eight Race

10:35 a.m. CT: Sunflower Showdown Trophy Presentation Ceremony

10:45 a.m. CT: Senior Day Ceremony