K-State wins Sunflower Showdown in women’s rowing at Wyandotte County Lake

A long drought was reversed today as K-State won the Sunflower Showdown trophy for women’s rowing at Wyandotte County Lake.

K-State won four events and the University of Kansas won one event today in the competition between rivals. Bright sunny skies with temperatures in the 60s made for comfortable conditions.

Cheers went up from the K-State section when K-State won. Hundreds of people, including many parents and friends, attended the rowing contest.

One K-State supporter, David Lund of Wichita, said he was there to see his daughter compete. He has also followed the rowing team to Sacramento and San Diego, California, he said. He’s planning a tailgate party when they travel to Oak Ridge, Tennessee, for the Big 12 championship May 12-13, he said.

“It’s the third year for my daughter, and it’s the first time they won (the Sunflower Showdown) since we’ve been involved,” Lund said.

Gerard Kleinsmith, another K-State supporter, came from St. Marys, Kansas, to see this competition. He said most of the people there were parents and families of team members.

Race results:
1st Eight: KU, 6:21.7; K-State, 6:25.35.
2nd Eight: K-State, 6:28.2; KU, 6:40.88.
Varsity Four: K-State, 7:06.9; KU, 7:14.72.
Second Four: K-State, 7:33.2; KU, 7:41.47.
Third Varsity Eighth: K-State, 6:42.3; KU, 6:49.57; KU, 7:30.57.