After falling just short at last years Sunflower Showdown, the K-State rowing team finally has the chance to avenge their loss on Wyandotte County Lake Saturday in Kansas City, Kansas.
The Cats are coming off an impressive performance two weeks ago at the Southern Intercollegiate Rowing Association championships. The team took home three gold medals, one silver and one bronze.
This weekend’s competition may not prove as easy for the cats with strong winds forecasted.
“We know the weather this weekend is going to be a continuation of the same-old, same-old,” head coach Patrick Sweeney said to K-State Sports. “At least we are prepared for that. The girls are not going to be freaked out by it. One of the problems is when you have bad weather it is hard to make comparisons to see if you have improved. From a coaches’ standpoint that is frustrating.”
Of course the Wildcats have gotten used to the poor conditions that this spring season has brought. The Kansas wind has limited practice time on the water all season, but Sweeney said they have done well to push through.
“I really think the girls have continued to do a really great job of coping with a lack of water time,” Sweeney added. “They are really rowing well when we have seen them on good water. They are performing way above what they should be doing considering what they have been dealt this year.”
Despite conditions and limited practice time, Sweeney said he expects a good performance from his team.
“I am looking for them to really hit their potential this weekend,” Sweeney said. “I do not want them to back off because of the conditions. I do not want them to second-guess themselves, I just want them to go.”
The Sunflower Showdown will kick off 11a.m. Saturday morning with the 3V8 boats hitting the water.
