AT A GLANCE: Central Oklahoma wraps up its fall rowing season this weekend when the Bronchos go to Wichita, Kan. for the 20th Annual Frostbite Regatta.
Racing will take place near Wichita State's Boathouse on the Little Arkansas River.
UCO will be competing in the Varsity 8, Open 4, Open 2- and Novice 8 events.
The Bronchos will be facing Wichita State in the Varsity 8, a team they edged out at the Head of the Oklahoma by less than one second for the first win in program history over the Shockers. UCO will also be competing against two boats from Grand Valley State,, a four-time American Collegiate Rowing Association (ACRA) champion and a program that has medaled at the Dad Vail Regatta consistently for the past five years.
COACH ANDREW DERRICK SAYS: “With Grand Valley entered this year, this will certainly be the toughest field we have ever faced at this event. We're really looking forward to seeing how we can stack up against them as I think we have really made some progress in the last month. It will also be really exciting to see our novices get to compete for the first time. After a lot of hard work, they are anxious to finally face another team.”
UP NEXT: UCO will begin its winter training season after this weekend's competition before returning to the water in the spring for the championship season. The spring racing schedule will begin in March and consists of the shorter 2,000-meter distance.
LAST YEAR: UCO was third in the Varsity 8 at last year's Frostbite Regatta, finishing with a a time 10:09 in a race won by host Wichita State. UCO's Varsity 4 “A” just missed medaling with a fourth-place finish and the Varsity 4 “B” was ninth. The Novice 8 finished their first race with a sixth-place finish in a time of 11:12.
FIRST IMPRESSION: UCO will be competing in the Varsity 8, Open 4, Open 2- and Novice 8 events. The Bronchos have competed in all of these boat classes except the Novice 8 at the Head of the Oklahoma five weeks ago. The Novice designation is given to first-year athletes and this will be the first race of the year for these athletes.
