April 1, 2006
CLEMSON, S.C. - The UCF women's rowing team swept North Carolina and host Clemson on Saturday morning, claiming first-place finishes in all four races on Lake Hartwell. The Golden Knights won the varsity eight, second varsity eight, varsity four and novice eight races.
UCF's varsity eight boat finished at 6:36.4, well ahead of the host Tigers (6:45.8). The Golden Knights got off of the line quickly and established a one-length lead over Clemson and about a two-length edge over the Tar Heels. UCF continued to push out on the field with very little challenge from the other crews. North Carolina finished at 7:03.6.
The second varsity eight race was the closest event of the day, with UCF beating Clemson by a 1.9 second margin. The Golden Knights clocked in at 6:57.0. UCF led from the start of the race, gaining almost one length over Clemson in the first 1,000 meters. The Tigers fought back and made a strong push in the final 500 meters, but were unable to overtake the Golden Knights in the final strokes.
On Saturday, UCF dedicated its performance to UCF associate athletics director and senior woman administrator Mary Kaufman, who passed away on Monday evening.
"The team raced to victory today in honor of Mary Kaufman, who will be remembered for her tremendous contributions to the women's rowing program," said UCF head coach Leeanne Crain. "She touched the lives of many student-athletes on the team and they wanted to dedicate this race in her memory."
Kaufman, a longtime administrator at UCF, served as the school's advocate on women's issues. She was influential in elevating the women's rowing program to varsity status.
UCF's novice eight and varsity four entries had the largest margins of victory over the Tigers, winning by 14.6 and 14.2 seconds, respectively.
In the varsity four race, the Golden Knights finished at 7:56.7, followed by Clemson at 8:10.9. UCF's novice eight boat posted a time of 7:23.5 and Clemson clocked in at 7:38.1.
The Golden Knights will compete in a pair of events next Saturday. The squad will participate in the FIRA Championship in Miami and will also be in action at the Knecht Cup in Cherry Hill, N.J.
Saturday's results:
Varsity Eight:
1. UCF 6:36.4
2. Clemson 6:45.8
3. UNC 7:03.6
2nd Varsity Eight:
1. UCF 6:57.0
2. Clemson 6:58.9
3. UNC 7:16.9
Varsity Four:
1. UCF 7:56.7
2. Clemson 8:10.9
Novice Eight:
1. UCF 7:23.5
2. Clemson 7:38.1