Women's Rowing 11/1/2021 2:00:00 PM Chris Brannick

Backyard Bronchos Returns For Rowing

EDMOND – The University of Central Oklahoma rowing team announced this week it is beginning for the second year its Backyard Broncho program – the first of its kind in the state of Oklahoma – looking for the best athlete in the state interested in becoming a member of the nationally-renowned UCO program.

The Backyard Broncho program offers a one year, 12-hour tuition waiver scholarship to the best applicant. No prior rowing experience is needed, and athletes from all sports are encouraged to apply for consideration. Decisions regarding the awarding of the scholarship will be made based on athletic accomplishments and potential in the sport of rowing, as determined by the UCO coaches.

"The Backyard Broncho program is an amazing opportunity for athletes from other sports to continue their athletic growth through college on a team that's competing at the highest level. Out of sport walk-ons have been a foundation of our team's success every year we've won the NCAA Championship. Rowing is fun, it's competitive, and it's an amazing team sport that you can learn in college and be successful with – we'd highly encourage anyone who's interested to apply, come watch a practice, and see if you have what it takes to become a top rower!" UCO head rowing coach Brian Ebke said.

Central Oklahoma debuted the program last fall and last year's award recipient Katelyn Hedger has progressed into contending for a spot in the boat this year.

"Katelyn has been awesome," Ebke said. "Her athletic background was in triathlon, so we knew she was familiar with endurance sports and the training they require. She's had a great attitude, she's been up for anything, and she's been a consistently hard worker every day. It's not a stretch to consider that Katelyn might compete for a spot on our NCAA team this Spring, as we've had several first year rowers do over the last few years. Last year, Danielle Dick from Enid, OK, started rowing in August and raced in the Varsity 4+ that won the NCAA Championship in May, so it's well within the realm of possibility for Katelyn to continue to develop to that level or beyond."

Interested athletes should complete this form

High School principals, athletic directors and coaches should complete this form on behalf of potential recruits

Central Oklahoma boasts the premier Division II rowing program in the country, winning three consecutive team national championships, four consecutive Varsity 8+ national titles, and two consecutive Varsity 4+ national titles.

Central Oklahoma began rowing in 2008, but in just 13 years on the water, has vaulted to the best program in the country. UCO has 19 student-athletes who have earned the title of All-American a combined 25 times over the past 13 years.

UCO calls the Central Boathouse its home on the banks of the Oklahoma River in downtown Oklahoma City. The boathouse, built in 2015, is an 18,000-plus square foot facility with a near $6 million price tag. It stands as one of the finest in the country.

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