EDMOND (June 26) -- University of Central Oklahoma President W. Roger Webb has announced that UCO will add women's rowing to its intercollegiate varsity athletics program and plans to construct a new boathouse on the banks of the Oklahoma River.

Sonic Restaurants founder Troy Smith and his wife Dolly recently donated $3-million to UCO, part of which will be used to build the boathouse.

"We plan to have a first-class program and a first-class facility on the Oklahoma River," said UCO President W. Roger Webb.

"The rowing program will help UCO lead the way in providing a wonderful new experience and opportunity for our students, and for the entire community. We are very grateful to Troy and Dolly Smith for helping us make it all possible."

The UCO boathouse will be built east of the Chesapeake Boathouse on the Oklahoma River and is expected to be completed in 2008. It also will be used to support U.S. Olympic and Paralympic programs.

UCO plans to hire a coach and establish a women's rowing team this fall, in preparation for competition in the spring of 2008.