The Kansas Varsity 8+ rowing boat was named Big 12 Boat of the Week after helping the Jayhawks secure a sweep against Kansas State at the Dillions Sunflower Showdown, according to an April 15 announcement.
This recognition highlights the team’s strong performance and marks Kansas’ first Big 12 honor of the season. The achievement is notable as it is also the first time a Kansas boat has received this award in three consecutive seasons.
Head coach Andrew Derrick said, “We are very proud of the whole squad’s effort last week in the Dillons Sunflower Showdown, but these nine athletes shouldered the responsibility of being in our top boat, showed up really well on race day, and got the job done decisively. Being in the I Eight means being the standard bearers for the program and really proud of how they led the way for our squad.” Derrick added, “All our boats need to continue to find some speed in the late season, but we are encouraged by their progress and the team’s growth in the early season to earn this honor.”
The Varsity 8+ lineup included senior Kara Lyons; juniors Kathryn Borthwick, Gretchen Schmierer-Knust, Tya Drennen, Eva Robinson, Gracie Shepherd; Sophie Pense; coxswain Ruby Moritz-Cammack; and freshman Claire Van Mater. The crew finished with a time of 06:47.070 to win both their final race and secure victory at Wyandotte County Lake in Kansas City.
This award follows last season’s Varsity 8+ victory at Dillions Sunflower Showdown on May 3. The Jayhawks will next compete at Raleigh’s Lake Wheeler Invitational on April 24–25.
