The Kansas State rowing team will compete in its first and only fall regatta of the 2018-19 season on Sunday in the Jayhawk Jamboree on the Kansas River in Lawrence.
Fall races give teams a chance to test out their lineups and see what they can do on the water against other teams.
The Jayhawk Jamboree consists of 11 teams, including the University of Kansas Jayhawks and several teams outside the Big 12 Conference.
Captain and redshirt senior Kennedy Felice said the Wildcats are ready for Sunday’s regatta after a long semester of tough practices.
“Fall races are a great way to break up the grind of first semester,” Felice said. “It’s always exciting to get back into the race-day mindset, and this is going to be a good opportunity to see what we can do and where we are as a team.”
The Jayhawk Jamboree also marks the first official race for last year’s redshirt class. After a full year of learning the ropes and preparing to race, they are ready to compete.
Redshirt freshman Maya Morrow said she is both excited and nervous for her first race, adding that the chemistry of her boat is solid.
“I feel confident,” Morrow said. “I just don’t know what to expect.”
Fall races are conducted in time trials rather than the head-to-head races most commonly associated with rowing. The races are 4,000 meters, twice the length of a regular-season race.
Redshirt freshman Madison Jensen said that this team is prepared and ready to start competition.
“We’ve come a long way in just a couple of weeks,” Jensen said. “Our coaches have prepared us, and I can’t wait to show everyone what we’ve accomplished.”
Races at the Jayhawk Jamboree will begin at 11 a.m. Sunday at Burcham Park in Lawrence.
