June 5, 2007
Prior to the start of the spring, UCF head rowing coach Leeanne Crain was asked about her expectations for the upcoming season.
"Every year, we've tried to build upon the success of the previous season," she said at the time. Among the goals she listed were being ranked in the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association/USRowing Division I Varsity Eight Poll and earning a spot in the grand final of the varsity eight event at the Aramark South/Central Sprints. The team also aimed for a possible bid to the NCAA Championships.
Crain could easily moonlight as a psychic. Those weren't just goals. They were predictions.
For the Knights, the 2006-07 season was arguably their most successful since the program was elevated to varsity status 11 years ago. The varsity eight, UCF's top boat, posted nine consecutive wins to start the season, beating traditional powers such as Virginia, UCLA and Washington State. They earned that top 20 national ranking as they peaked at No. 9 and held that spot for two straight weeks. The team also won the women's overall trophy at the Southern Intercollegiate Rowing Association (SIRA) Championships.
The most impressive goal had yet to be realized as the Knights progressed through the two-day competition at the South/Central Sprints. They advanced to the varsity eight semifinal, where they edged Louisville by a fraction of a second to earn a spot in the grand final for the first time in program history. UCF eventually finished sixth in the event and took third overall in the South Region.
The crew's effort at that regatta combined with its performance throughout the season was rewarded on Tuesday, May 15 when the UCF varsity eight learned via conference call that it was selected to participate as one of the four at-large boats in the NCAA Championships.
"It was a tremendously rewarding year on several fronts," said Crain. "Getting the varsity eight to the NCAA Championships was the biggest highlight of the season. To be recognized as one of the top 16 crews in the country is a huge accomplishment. The team worked extremely hard and earned the right to race at the national championship."
Entering the NCAA Championship weekend ranked No. 14 in the nation, the Knights rowed twice on the opening day of competition. They took fifth in their heat, which placed them in the afternoon's repechage still fighting for spot in Saturday's semifinals. UCF finished the weekend with a fourth-place showing in the third final.
Although falling short of the national title, Crain insists that the Knights learned a valuable lesson. "The athletes gained a better understanding of what it takes to be successful at the highest level of collegiate sport. It's one thing to win big races throughout the season. It's another to be able to show up at the national championship with the mentality of dominating your opponents," she said. "We took the first step this year by qualifying. It was a huge step and I'm proud of the first squad from UCF to wade into those uncharted waters."
It was a young team that guided the Knights through the unfamiliar territory. Only two members of the UCF varsity eight line-up won't return next season and there is more talent rising through the ranks. Add to the mix the new facility being built out at Lake Pickett that is slated for completion next spring. Certainly, the Knights have the potential to become annual contenders for the NCAA Championship.
"We have laid a foundation to build upon with this year's success," said Crain. "The construction of the new boathouse is a key factor. Once we have a top rate facility, we will naturally be able to recruit and retain better talent. We need to attract the top recruits around the country and internationally so that we can put fast boats on the water. Once the boathouse is completed, and with continued hard work, we should continue to see great racing results.
"We have shown that we can be nationally competitive," Crain continued. "A new standard has been set for UCF rowing."