Kansas State University Athletics
Saturday, April 22
Omaha, Neb.
Kansas State University
at
Creighton Duel
Wildcats Win All Five Races Against Creighton
Apr 23, 2023 | Rowing
K-State will race in-state rivals Kansas next Saturday in Kansas City, Kan.
MANHATTAN, Kan. – The K-State women's rowing team completed a sweep with five first place finishes at the Creighton duel on Saturday (April 21) in Omaha, Neb.
"The team did well this weekend and they have continued to show up every time we race," head coach Patrick Sweeney said. "It's been a difficult year, given some of our race day conditions and lack of water time, but we've been impressed with how our athletes have handled everything. It was a good weekend that we plan to build from as we look ahead to finish the season strong."
Race day was impacted directly by temperatures in the 30s, wind and snow. Conditions caused the races to be shifted up as the weather continued to deteriorate throughout the day.
"Weather conditions were less than ideal at race time this morning," sophomore Rachel Harman said. "There was snow and a very strong wind that made the open water on the course tough to get through."
The team maintained their focus and had a successful weekend, starting the day with a victory in the 1v8+ at 6:56.3.
"The main thing we have learned recently is that as long as we row the way we know how to and not let competitors influence our race, we will be extremely competitive," Harman said.
The lineup consisted of sophomore coxswain Paige Fox, sophomores Rachel Harman, Jordan Girkin, Anna Ryan, Madison Koller, junior Patricia Hokanson, senior Madison Jensen, freshman Bianca Wollmeister and junior Idallis Shaffer.
The weekend was a chance to gain more experience and continue preparing for upcoming races.
"Every time we get the chance to be on the water we are always looking to improve," said Harman. "We have been focusing on the first 500 meters of our race for the last few races. That will be an important part of the race next weekend."
The 2v8+, with senior coxswain Lauren Plum, sophomore Gracyn McClain, junior Kaylee Kleinschmit, freshman Sylvia Cunningham, sophomores Symone Simmons, Madelyn Barrett, Jayden Brandt, freshman Kay Pakkebier and freshman Tatum Alexander, also came in first at 7:14.6.
"We all definitely had to learn quickly how to adapt to the challenges that were thrown our way," Cunningham said. "I thought we all did a great job and learned to overcome any conditions. The saying 'if there's a will, there's a way,' was prevalent this morning as we all backed each other up and supported each other to get through the race. I hope that continues to help us learn and overcome anything in the next few weeks."
The 1v4+ dominated their race, coming in first more than 32 seconds ahead of Creighton, with a final time of 8:07.2. The boat consisted of senior coxswain Kaitlyn Henke, sophomore Neva Roenne, junior Jadyn Greisen and sophomores Emily Stark and Halle Fee.
"Our boat raced really well given the windy and cold conditions," Stark said. "We found a rhythm off the start fairly quick. Through the middle 1,000, we got a little rocky, but we didn't let it affect us and our push at the finish. We came together nicely, effectively getting sharper and quicker through the water at the end."
The 2v4+ continued the day's winning streak, making a statement with a first-place finish at 7:56.1. The crew finished a whole minute ahead of the Bluejays. In the boat was freshman coxswain Kiersten Schmalz, junior Lindsey DeVreugd, sophomores Kendra Hamman, Catie Wood, and junior Alyssa Buettner.
"We finished and our stroke seat Lindsey [DeVreugd] said she felt like that was the most connected race we've had this year. Everyone agreed so we were really content with the race," Wood said. "The last few races and during practices we've struggled to either have power or togetherness with good technique so I'm really proud that we were able to focus and put all the puzzle pieces together."
The 3v8+ also came in first at 8:00.7, securing the fifth and final win for the Wildcats. The lineup consisted of freshman coxswain Kennedy Loyd, freshmen Ellie Erwin, Makenzie Storm, Grace Hall, Emma Johnson, Ava Werner, Zoey Whorton, junior McKenna Johnson and freshman Kyla Traub.
"The conditions made today's race difficult, but the girls did great," Loyd said. "With the severe wind and cold, the girls had to work really hard and stay focused. The main goal of today's race was to keep our blades sharp and not catch a crab."
Last weekend's competition in the SIRA Championships and the conditions against Creighton have the team confident in their abilities to finish the season strong, as the 'Cats prepare for their final two races, the Sunflower Showdown against in-state rival Kansas and the Big 12 Championships.
"I think these last two races helped boost our confidence and helped us grow together as a boat," Loyd said. "But with that said, we know it's going to be a close race. In preparation for next weekend, we know we'll have to race hard."
"Because we did the best we could in these rough conditions, I feel it has prepared us to take on whatever is next, regardless of the weather," Stark said. "We know our boat can perform well in bad weather, so I'm excited to put all the pieces together: sharp blades, good rhythm, and a strong finish, next week against KU. It will be a good race to showcase everything we have worked on this season."
For some 'Cats this upcoming weekend will be the first time they get to experience racing in the Sunflower Showdown.
"The thing I'm most looking forward to is actually getting to race against KU," Cunningham said. "The older girls have told so many stories about this particular race, I'm excited to now have my own stories to tell the girls that come to K-State to row in the future. I'm also looking forward to seeing how the boats grow and improve after this weekend to really put our best out in decent conditions against our in-state rivals. I think there will be some really good racing next weekend and I can't wait to see how we do."
The 'Cats will be back in action next Saturday (April 29) in Kansas City, Kan., at the Sunflower Showdown.
"We want to say thank you to Coach Chipps and his staff for making this race happen. It was a challenge given everything with the conditions, but they managed it well and we appreciate being able to get some racing in," Sweeney said. "The last two races of the season are what we have been building up to all year. This is a chance to race hard and put everything on the line. We've done the work, now it's time to really go for it."
Creighton Duel
Omaha, Neb.
First Varsity 8+ (1v8+)
1. K-State; 6:56.3, 2. Creighton; 7:10.2
Second Varsity 8+ (2v8+)
1. K-State; 7:14.6, 2. Creighton; 7:24.1
First Varsity 4+ (1v4+)
1. K-State; 8:07.2, 2. Creighton; 8:39.8
Second Varsity 4+ (2v4+)
1. K-State; 7:56.1, 2. Creighton; 9:08.8
Third Varsity 8+ (3v8+)
1. K-State; 8:00.7, 2. Creighton; 8:39.3
K-State lineups:
1v8+ lineup:
Cox: Paige Fox, Stroke: Rachel Harman, 7. Jordan Girkin, 6. Anna Ryan, 5. Madison Koller, 4. Patricia Hokanson, 3. Madison Jensen, 2. Bianca Wollmeister, Bow: Idallis Shaffer
2v8+ lineup:
Cox: Lauren Plum, Stroke: Gracyn McClain, 7. Kaylee Kleinschmit, 6. Sylvia Cunningham, 5. Symone Simmons, 4. Madelyn Barrett, 3. Jayden Brandt, 2. Kay Pakkebier, Bow: Tatum Alexander
1v4+ lineup:
Cox: Kaitlyn Henke, Stroke: Neva Roenne, 3. Jadyn Greisen, 2. Emily Stark, Bow: Halle Fee
2v4+ lineup:
Cox: Kiersten Schmalz, Stroke: Lindsey DeVreugd, 3. Kendra Hamman, 2. Catie Wood, Bow: Alyssa Buettner
3v8+ lineup:
Cox: Kennedy Loyd, Stroke: Ellie Erwin, 7. Makenzie Storm, 6. Grace Hall, 5. Emma Johnson, 4. Ava Werner, 3. Zoey Whorton, 2. McKenna Johnson, Bow: Kyla Traub
How to follow the 'Cats: For complete information on the K-State Women's Rowing Team, visit www.kstatesports.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
"The team did well this weekend and they have continued to show up every time we race," head coach Patrick Sweeney said. "It's been a difficult year, given some of our race day conditions and lack of water time, but we've been impressed with how our athletes have handled everything. It was a good weekend that we plan to build from as we look ahead to finish the season strong."
Race day was impacted directly by temperatures in the 30s, wind and snow. Conditions caused the races to be shifted up as the weather continued to deteriorate throughout the day.
"Weather conditions were less than ideal at race time this morning," sophomore Rachel Harman said. "There was snow and a very strong wind that made the open water on the course tough to get through."
The team maintained their focus and had a successful weekend, starting the day with a victory in the 1v8+ at 6:56.3.
"The main thing we have learned recently is that as long as we row the way we know how to and not let competitors influence our race, we will be extremely competitive," Harman said.
The lineup consisted of sophomore coxswain Paige Fox, sophomores Rachel Harman, Jordan Girkin, Anna Ryan, Madison Koller, junior Patricia Hokanson, senior Madison Jensen, freshman Bianca Wollmeister and junior Idallis Shaffer.
The weekend was a chance to gain more experience and continue preparing for upcoming races.
"Every time we get the chance to be on the water we are always looking to improve," said Harman. "We have been focusing on the first 500 meters of our race for the last few races. That will be an important part of the race next weekend."
The 2v8+, with senior coxswain Lauren Plum, sophomore Gracyn McClain, junior Kaylee Kleinschmit, freshman Sylvia Cunningham, sophomores Symone Simmons, Madelyn Barrett, Jayden Brandt, freshman Kay Pakkebier and freshman Tatum Alexander, also came in first at 7:14.6.
"We all definitely had to learn quickly how to adapt to the challenges that were thrown our way," Cunningham said. "I thought we all did a great job and learned to overcome any conditions. The saying 'if there's a will, there's a way,' was prevalent this morning as we all backed each other up and supported each other to get through the race. I hope that continues to help us learn and overcome anything in the next few weeks."
The 1v4+ dominated their race, coming in first more than 32 seconds ahead of Creighton, with a final time of 8:07.2. The boat consisted of senior coxswain Kaitlyn Henke, sophomore Neva Roenne, junior Jadyn Greisen and sophomores Emily Stark and Halle Fee.
"Our boat raced really well given the windy and cold conditions," Stark said. "We found a rhythm off the start fairly quick. Through the middle 1,000, we got a little rocky, but we didn't let it affect us and our push at the finish. We came together nicely, effectively getting sharper and quicker through the water at the end."
The 2v4+ continued the day's winning streak, making a statement with a first-place finish at 7:56.1. The crew finished a whole minute ahead of the Bluejays. In the boat was freshman coxswain Kiersten Schmalz, junior Lindsey DeVreugd, sophomores Kendra Hamman, Catie Wood, and junior Alyssa Buettner.
"We finished and our stroke seat Lindsey [DeVreugd] said she felt like that was the most connected race we've had this year. Everyone agreed so we were really content with the race," Wood said. "The last few races and during practices we've struggled to either have power or togetherness with good technique so I'm really proud that we were able to focus and put all the puzzle pieces together."
The 3v8+ also came in first at 8:00.7, securing the fifth and final win for the Wildcats. The lineup consisted of freshman coxswain Kennedy Loyd, freshmen Ellie Erwin, Makenzie Storm, Grace Hall, Emma Johnson, Ava Werner, Zoey Whorton, junior McKenna Johnson and freshman Kyla Traub.
"The conditions made today's race difficult, but the girls did great," Loyd said. "With the severe wind and cold, the girls had to work really hard and stay focused. The main goal of today's race was to keep our blades sharp and not catch a crab."
Last weekend's competition in the SIRA Championships and the conditions against Creighton have the team confident in their abilities to finish the season strong, as the 'Cats prepare for their final two races, the Sunflower Showdown against in-state rival Kansas and the Big 12 Championships.
"I think these last two races helped boost our confidence and helped us grow together as a boat," Loyd said. "But with that said, we know it's going to be a close race. In preparation for next weekend, we know we'll have to race hard."
"Because we did the best we could in these rough conditions, I feel it has prepared us to take on whatever is next, regardless of the weather," Stark said. "We know our boat can perform well in bad weather, so I'm excited to put all the pieces together: sharp blades, good rhythm, and a strong finish, next week against KU. It will be a good race to showcase everything we have worked on this season."
For some 'Cats this upcoming weekend will be the first time they get to experience racing in the Sunflower Showdown.
"The thing I'm most looking forward to is actually getting to race against KU," Cunningham said. "The older girls have told so many stories about this particular race, I'm excited to now have my own stories to tell the girls that come to K-State to row in the future. I'm also looking forward to seeing how the boats grow and improve after this weekend to really put our best out in decent conditions against our in-state rivals. I think there will be some really good racing next weekend and I can't wait to see how we do."
The 'Cats will be back in action next Saturday (April 29) in Kansas City, Kan., at the Sunflower Showdown.
"We want to say thank you to Coach Chipps and his staff for making this race happen. It was a challenge given everything with the conditions, but they managed it well and we appreciate being able to get some racing in," Sweeney said. "The last two races of the season are what we have been building up to all year. This is a chance to race hard and put everything on the line. We've done the work, now it's time to really go for it."
Creighton Duel
Omaha, Neb.
First Varsity 8+ (1v8+)
1. K-State; 6:56.3, 2. Creighton; 7:10.2
Second Varsity 8+ (2v8+)
1. K-State; 7:14.6, 2. Creighton; 7:24.1
First Varsity 4+ (1v4+)
1. K-State; 8:07.2, 2. Creighton; 8:39.8
Second Varsity 4+ (2v4+)
1. K-State; 7:56.1, 2. Creighton; 9:08.8
Third Varsity 8+ (3v8+)
1. K-State; 8:00.7, 2. Creighton; 8:39.3
K-State lineups:
1v8+ lineup:
Cox: Paige Fox, Stroke: Rachel Harman, 7. Jordan Girkin, 6. Anna Ryan, 5. Madison Koller, 4. Patricia Hokanson, 3. Madison Jensen, 2. Bianca Wollmeister, Bow: Idallis Shaffer
2v8+ lineup:
Cox: Lauren Plum, Stroke: Gracyn McClain, 7. Kaylee Kleinschmit, 6. Sylvia Cunningham, 5. Symone Simmons, 4. Madelyn Barrett, 3. Jayden Brandt, 2. Kay Pakkebier, Bow: Tatum Alexander
1v4+ lineup:
Cox: Kaitlyn Henke, Stroke: Neva Roenne, 3. Jadyn Greisen, 2. Emily Stark, Bow: Halle Fee
2v4+ lineup:
Cox: Kiersten Schmalz, Stroke: Lindsey DeVreugd, 3. Kendra Hamman, 2. Catie Wood, Bow: Alyssa Buettner
3v8+ lineup:
Cox: Kennedy Loyd, Stroke: Ellie Erwin, 7. Makenzie Storm, 6. Grace Hall, 5. Emma Johnson, 4. Ava Werner, 3. Zoey Whorton, 2. McKenna Johnson, Bow: Kyla Traub
How to follow the 'Cats: For complete information on the K-State Women's Rowing Team, visit www.kstatesports.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
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