Oct. 12, 2007
ORLANDO, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - The UCF women's rowing team begins its fall season on Saturday, Oct. 13 as two boats represent the Knights at the Head of the Oklahoma. Hosted by Oklahoma City University, the competition is the earliest regatta that the team has entered since head coach Leeanne Crain was hired four years ago, but the Knights feel prepared for the challenge.
"The fall races can give us a glimpse of what to expect from teams in the spring," said Crain. "Our overall level of fitness is higher than it was last year at this point in the season, so our expectations are high."
Both UCF entries will race in the collegiate eight event, which starts at 3 p.m. ET. The Knights' top boat features several athletes - Krystina Sarff, Stephanie Adams, Erin Riegel and Caitlin Pauls - who rowed with the varsity eight that made history last season by making the program's first appearance in the NCAA Championship.
The top 12 finishers from the afternoon race are invited to compete in the unique 500-meter sprints Saturday night.
"We hope to qualify both eights for the night sprints," said Crain. "The 500 meter format is a short, intense race. Most teams will go off the line at a high stroke rating and never settle below 35 strokes per minute. It will be exciting to watch."
The Head of the Oklahoma is one of three regattas in which the Knights will participate this fall. The novice crew races at the Hatter Classic on Oct. 27 before both the lightweight and open squads compete at the Head of the Hooch from Nov. 3-4.
For the latest news and information on the Knights, tickets or apparel log on to www.ucfathletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. Also check out UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pics.
Varsity Eight
Cox: Brittney Skidmore, stroke: Megan Harrell, 7: Jordynn Pauls, 6: Krystina Sarff, 5: Lauren Hampson, 4: Emma Gresson, 3: Stephanie Adams, 2: Erin Riegel, Bow: Caitlin Pauls.
Second Varsity Eight
Cox: Erika Venza, stroke: Laura Bacci, 7: Melissa Kroll, 6: Tanis Franchuk, 5: Danielle Leen, 4: Samantha Sarff, 3: Tara Rogers, 2: Erin Bernier, bow: Eleni Roussos.
Alternates: Jessica Veeneman, Nicole Hoag.