K-State Women’s Rowing Shines at Sarasota 2k

Intrigue and excitement filled the air as the K-State women’s rowing team took to the waters of Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, Florida, this past weekend for the highly anticipated Sarasota 2k event. Over two thrilling days of competition, the Wildcats demonstrated resilience, determination, and remarkable skill against a backdrop of fierce contenders.

A Learning Experience Under Pressure

Head coach Patrick Sweeney couldn’t be prouder of his athletes, especially the 1v4+ crew, which clinched a medal amidst tough racing conditions. “We are proud of the four and the medal they earned. This weekend was a fantastic learning experience for the team," Sweeney stated. "We improved technically, learned to cope with pressures, and recognized that we have more speed potential.”

Day One: Trials and Triumphs

The competition kicked off on Friday with time trials for the 1v8+, 2v8+, and 1v4+ boats. The Wildcats faced off against formidable foes like West Virginia, Tulsa, and Alabama. The stakes were high as each crew aimed to qualify for the finals on Saturday.

Senior rower Rachel Harman reflected on the challenging races, stating, “We improved as a boat with every race. We had to navigate wind and fierce competition, which we hadn’t encountered much this season.” The resilience displayed by Harman and her teammates paid off—the 1v4+ secured first place in the semifinals with an impressive time of 7:33.41.

The Gold Standard of Team Spirit

Coxswain Kiersten Schmalz highlighted her crew’s steady progression. “We took off hard and quickly distanced ourselves from U-Miami and Alabama. The great finish propelled us to victory in our heat,” Schmalz commented. The team’s enthusiasm and technique shone through as they prepared for the Grand ‘A’ final.

Racing Towards Glory

On Saturday, the culmination of weeks of hard work was on full display in the finals. The 1v4+ crew raced fiercely, securing a bronze medal with a time of 7:23.28. The determination of the Wildcats was palpable as they battled with UCF and UNC, showing their mettle and skill.

Key Moments of the Grand Final

“We started with such intensity that we needed a redo at the start due to UCF,” Schmalz recounted. “But we stayed calm and reset, knowing we could replicate our initial strategy.” The Wildcats began to pull ahead around the halfway mark, showcasing their hard-earned improvements as they crossed the finish line.

Harman added, “Coming away with a medal boosts our confidence and sets our sights on being even faster. Competing against strong boats like the ones here reinforces the value of our rigorous training.”

The Rising Stars of K-State Rowing

While the 1v4+ led the charge, other crews also demonstrated their collective grit and determination. The 3v8+ finished their heat with a solid time of 7:36.51, battling strong winds but ultimately emerging victoriously by pushing past Alabama in the final moments of their race.

“Fighting against the wind was tough, but we found our rhythm and were overjoyed with how we finished,” expressed sophomore Karlee Horyna. The camaraderie and competitive spirit fostered within K-State’s rowing team are evident and foundational to their success.

Future Goals and Aspirations

As the Wildcats look ahead to their next outing at the Creighton Duel on April 13, their collective momentum is unmistakable. Junior Ava Werner echoed sentiments shared by her teammates, saying, “We are in a great spot to build on our progress. Supporting each other is key, and when one crew medals, we all medal.”

Concluding Thoughts

K-State’s presence at the Sarasota 2k showcased more than just skill; it highlighted the spirit of growth, camaraderie, and competition that defines the Wildcats rowing program. With renewed confidence and a commitment to excellence, this team is gearing up for a season that promises thrilling races ahead.

For a deeper dive into K-State women’s rowing and to follow their journey, visit their official site at K-State Sports and catch them on social media: Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Stay tuned as the Wildcats continue to build on their successes and strive for greatness!