Broncho Boat Selected For NCAA Meet

5/20/2014 4:32:00 PM

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (May 20) -- For the third consecutive year in its brief history, the Central Oklahoma women's rowing program has been selected to compete in the NCAA Division II Rowing Championships, which will be held here May 30-June 1 on the Eagle Creek Reservoir.

The Bronchos are coming off of consecutive fifth-place finishes at the national championships in 2012 and 2013, and will look to improve upon those marks this season. The Bronchos will compete as an at-large eight, with one other at-large eight and four team competitors.

The four teams selected to compete for the overall national championship were Humboldt State, Mercyhurst, Western Washington and defending national champion Nova Southeastern. Fellow South Region program Barry was awarded the additional at-large eight selection.

"I'm really proud of what this young group of girls have accomplished thus far this season," said assistant coach Amy Jantzen. "We only have three rowers returning from last year's eight so this season has had a big learning curve. Getting the bid this season is a reflection of what this group is capable of and it speaks highly of their future."

The competition will begin with heats on May 30 at 11:10 a.m. and 11:20 a.m. UCO will face off against No. 2 seed Humboldt State and No. 3 seed Western Washington, with the winner of that heat advancing directly to the grand final on Sunday.

The other heat on Friday will feature No. 1 seed Nova Southeastern, No. 4 seed Mercyhurst and No. 5 seed Barry. The four teams who don't win their heat will race in a repechage Saturday to determine the final two teams in the final.

"This year has been one of growth and change for our team," said junior coxswain Amy VanBuskirk. "After two consecutive at-large eight bids we look forward to returning to Eagle Creek's familiar course in hopes to yield our best finish in program history."

Tickets for the event can be purchased online via the NCAA ticket website. Notre Dame College serves as host institution for the championships at Eagle Creek in conjunction with Indiana Sports Corporation and the Indianapolis Rowing Center. Live online coverage will also be provided.

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