Rowing Primed for Sunflower Showdown on Saturday

Results @KU_Rowing

LAWRENCE, Kan. – The University of Kansas rowing team hosts in-state rival Kansas State in the annual Sunflower Showdown on Saturday at 11 a.m. at Wyandotte County Lake. Kansas will be looking for their first back-to-back victories in the Sunflower Showdown since 2003 and 2004.

Last year, the Jayhawks began the regatta with Third Varsity Four and Third Varsity Eight victories and jumped out to an early 5-0 lead on Senior Day. Looking for their first victories of the day Kansas State managed two victories in the First Varsity Four and the Second Varsity Eight where they took 9-5 lead on the day going into the final race, the First Varsity Eight.

The Jayhawks got off to a slow start in the race but managed a huge come from behind victory where they out stroked Kansas State in the final 50 meters and won the Kansas Cup for the first time in five years by four tenths of a second.

Saturday’s Sunflower Showdown will be the final home regatta for the following six seniors – Jackie Adamle, Maggie Duncan, Angie Flores-Rodriguez, Casey Kelly, Brina Pina, Tessa Scott, and Mary Slattery.

Around the Lake
Fans attending Saturday’s races can find the Kansas City Rowing Club at Wyandotte County Lake from the Leavenworth Road exit off I-435 in the Kansas City area near The Legends shopping center. There will be a $5 charge for parking and concessions will be available.

Kansas City Rowing Club
White Tail Loop Trail
Kansas City, KS 66109

Schedule of Events
11:00 a.m. – Third Varsity Eight (2 points)
11:15 a.m. – First Varsity Four (3 points)
11:30 a.m. – Second Varsity Four (2 points)
11:45 a.m. – Second Varsity Eight (6 points)
12:00 p.m. – First Varsity Eight (9 points)

KUAthletics.com caught up with senior Maggie Duncan (Mississauga, Ontario) before the final home regatta of her collegiate career.

Q: What has been the best aspect for you as a Kansas rower?
MAGGIE DUNCAN: Rowing has introduced me to some of the best people I have ever met, and I will always be grateful for the relationships it’s allowed me to build. I also appreciate how it has constantly challenged me to push myself, because it’s helped me realize I am stronger and more mentally tough than I ever believed.

Q: What is your favorite memory of Kansas Rowing?
DUNCAN: Winning the Sunflower Showdown by 0.3 seconds last year was amazing.

Q: How would you describe your four years at KU?
DUNCAN: A coffee-fueled saga of studying rocks, pretending to understand basketball and doing enough cardio to last the rest of my life.

Q: What has been your greatest accomplishment as a student-athlete?
DUNCAN: My goal from the beginning was to be on the First Varsity Eight boat one day, so to say I have actually accomplished that makes me really happy.

Q: What are your plans for life after graduation?

DUNCAN: I’ll be at KU for one more semester to finish up my degree, and then I will probably move back to Canada and find a job. I love Kansas, but the motherland calls to me.

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