Kansas rowing will host Kansas State and Creighton for the Dillons Sunflower Showdown on April 11 at Wyandotte County Lake Park in Kansas City, according to an April 10 announcement. The event will begin at 9 a.m. Central Time, with the first 30 students receiving a Kansas swag bag upon entry.
The competition marks an important occasion for the Jayhawks as they celebrate their soon-to-be graduates during Senior Day. Head coach Andrew Derrick said, “We are excited to host on our home course and look forward to honoring our soon-to-be graduates on senior day. I’m also looking forward to our squad getting another chance to show what they can do on race day by executing well. We fell a little short of our potential in Florida a couple of weeks ago, and this is another opportunity to seize the moment.”
Races will start with the III Eight boat at 9:00 a.m., featuring seniors Lauren Burright and Naida Paschal among others. Subsequent races include the II Four boat at 9:15 a.m., I Four boat at 9:30 a.m.—which recently finished first in the B final at Sarasota 2K—the II Eight boat at 9:45 a.m., and finally, the I Eight boat at 10:00 a.m.
The Dillons Sunflower Showdown has been contested between Kansas and Kansas State rowing programs for more than two decades. Last season, Kansas won three out of five races against their rivals, securing the trophy for the second consecutive year with an overall score of 17-5.
Fans can follow live timing online during Saturday’s event. Spectator parking is available for $5 cash only, with covered viewing areas provided due to rain being forecasted.
A trophy presentation ceremony is scheduled for 10:35 a.m., followed by Senior Day celebrations at 10:45 a.m.
