April 6, 2006
ORLANDO - The UCF women's rowing team will be looking to defend its 2005 title at the Florida Intercollegiate Rowing Association Championship, which starts Friday in Miami. Heats are scheduled for Friday with the finals set for Saturday morning at the Krome Quarry Course.
The Golden Knights will have varsity eight, second varsity eight, varsity four and junior varsity four boats in action at the event.
A year ago, UCF claimed its eighth state championship, winning the varsity eight, second varsity eight and novice eight races to take the overall points trophy. The Golden Knights had won seven-consecutive state titles before Miami took the crown in 2004.
Miami will be one of the top squads at the 2006 event. Last weekend, the Hurricanes' varsity eight boat won the Cal Cup at the San Diego Crew Classic.
In addition to UCF and Miami, Jacksonville, Florida, Barry, USF, Nova Southeastern, Tampa, Embry-Riddle and Rollins will also be competing at the championship.
For the second-consecutive week, the Golden Knights' varsity eight boat is receiving votes in the US Rowing/Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association poll. UCF moved up three spots from last week and is now 23rd in the top-20 poll.
FIRA Championship lineups:
Varsity Eight
Cox: Katie Chapman
Stroke: Caitlin Pauls
7 seat: Kyla Smith
6 seat: Tanya Kleisler
5 seat: Krystina Sarff
4 seat: Stephanie Adams
3 seat: Melissa Westhoff
2 seat: Robin Capers
Bow: Katherine Motes
2nd Varsity Eight
Cox: Kim Swift
Stroke: Tanis Franchuk
7 seat: Mary Rosser
6 seat: Erika Frantz
5 seat: Kristin Roach
4 seat: Christina Smith
3 seat: Melissa Kroll
2 seat: Christy Collier
Bow: Brittney Kusner
Varsity Four
Cox: Heather Brooks
Stroke: Jessica Veeneman
3 seat: Tara Rogers
2 seat: Vilma Ramos
Bow: Nicole Szwanke
Varsity "B" Four
Cox: Kim Swift
Stroke: Tanis Franchuk
3 seat: Mary Rosser
2 seat: Erika Frantz
Bow: Kristin Roach
JV Four
Cox: Kim Swift
Stroke: Christy Collier
3 seat: Melissa Kroll
2 seat: Christina Smith
Bow: Brittney Kusner