Bronchos Host Seattle Pacific Saturday

5/16/2013 5:56:00 PM

The Central Oklahoma women's rowing team will take on Seattle Pacific in the first running of the Central Sprints Regatta Saturday morning on the Oklahoma River in Oklahoma City.

“This is the first time we have ever hosted a fellow Division II team on our home race course and we're very happy to show them our very unique race venue and look forward to some great racing,” said head coach Andrew Derrick

The two teams will attend a banquet together the night before racing.

“It should be a lot of fun for the student-athletes,” Derrick said. “We're talking about two teams full of great young women who have a lot in common and have also shared very different rowing experiences at the same time, so it seemed like a great idea to give them the opportunity to get to know each other.”

Racing will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the Varsity 4+ race, matching the Bronchos against a very formidable Falcon crew that finished just four seconds out of wining the WIRA Championships a few weeks ago.

The UCO V4+ has experienced success throughout the spring, including remaining undefeated in the South Region, runner-up finishes at the San Diego Crew Classic and Southern Intercollegiate Rowing Association championships and a recent victory during the Oklahoma City University Invitational.

The Broncho lineup will include Jenna Meraz (cox), Hannah Anderson, Brittany Rawlins, Samantha Elliott, and Chelsea Robinette.

“Seattle Pacific has a very quick four, and we're looking forward to seeing how we stack up against them.” said assistant coach Amy Jantzen who works primarily with the Bronchos varsity 4+

After a short break the UCO Varsity 8+ will take to the water for their 10:30 a.m. duel against the Falcons.

The Broncho 8+ has also enjoyed significant success this spring, which includes winning the San Diego Crew Classic and Oklahoma City University Invitational and finishing fifth in a very competitive field at the Southern Intercollegiate Rowing Association championships.

UCO's lineup will include Amy Van Buskirk (cox), Michaela Stam, Jenni Hagen, Karen Hoke, Jenna Goodner, Rachel Kliewer, Tracey Lisowe, Madison Martens, and Kelsey Philhower.

The Bronchos enter the weekend currently ranked fourth in the country as a team, according to the latest CRCA poll released Wednesday. Seattle Pacific is currently not ranked, but is receiving votes.

Following the morning racing, an awards ceremony will be held at the Chesapeake Boathouse stage. During the ceremony individual awards will be presented, in addition to recognition of the team's five seniors -- Samantha Elliott, Jenna Goodner, Rachel Kliewer, Michaela Rabenhorst, and Michaela Stam.

“Simply put, there will be no way to replace these five young women next year,” Derrick said. “They are invaluable members of the team, both on and off the water, and will be sorely missed next year.”

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