Wildcats Face Off with Kansas in Dillons Sunflower Showdown

MANHATTAN, Kan. – The Kansas State rowing team will face off against their in-state rival Kansas on Saturday, as the teams compete in the Dillons Sunflower Showdown on Wyandotte County Lake in Kansas City, Kansas beginning at 11:00 a.m. CT.

The races get started at 11:00 a.m. CT with the 3v8+ race, followed by the 2v4+ race at 11:15 a.m., 1v4+ race at 11:30 a.m., 2v8+ race at 11:45 a.m., before concluding the day with the 1v8+ race at 12:00 p.m. The team scoring is based on a point value awarded to the team that wins each race, with the scoring as follows: 1v8+ (9 pts.), 2v8+ (6 pts.), 3v8+ (2 pts.), 1v4+ (3 pts.) and 2v4+ (2 pts.).

"I think there are going to be some very close races, they are probably going to win a few and we are probably going to win a few," Head Coach Patrick Sweeney said in preparation for the Sunflower Showdown. "It should be a competitive set of races."

The showdown serves as the Wildcat's last stop before the Big 12 Championships on May 12-13 in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, as the team is coming off a strong showing at the Southern Intercollegiate Rowing Association (SIRA) Championship Regatta last weekend, where the team sent all five boats to finals, capturing a gold medal, two silvers and a bronze.

Along with earning some well-deserved hardware, the Wildcats were able to find valuable time on the water by earning their way through time trials and semifinals, before making their appearances in the event finals.

"Physically and mentally our team has done a great job, I take my hat off to them because they are still getting out there and fighting despite their lack of water time," Sweeney said. "They have really done a good job this year."

Historically, K-State has fared well against their rivals, owning the series 5-4 since 2009. Last season, the Jayhawks narrowly escaped with the victory by outscoring the Wildcats 12-10 in the team scoring, while K-State claimed victories in the 2v8+, 3v8+ and 2v4+ races.

The Wildcats will look to carry its momentum from the SIRA Championship Regatta from a week ago, as the boats begin racing at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. The races are free and open to the public and can be viewed from the shore of Wyandotte County Lake Park (91^st & Leavenworth Road, Kansas City, Kansas 66109).

For the latest on K-State Rowing, follow @kstatesports and @KStateROW on Twitter using the hashtag #KStateROW or on the team's Facebook page.

Kansas State University Athletics

Wildcats Face Off with Kansas in Dillons Sunflower Showdown

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