View Architect Renderings Here
View First Construction Pics Here
Nov. 19, 2007
Orlando, Fla. (www.UCFAthletics.com) - Construction is under way on the UCF Athletics Association's (UCFAA) brand-new Intercollegiate Rowing Center to be constructed on the varsity women's rowing program's five-acre parcel at nearby Lake Pickett.
The UCF Intercollegiate Rowing Center, designed by HOK Architects, will consist of two multi-purpose facilities, a traditional boathouse along with the team's very own clubhouse and locker room. Construction is expected to last nine months and should be fully completed summer, 2008.
"This is an exciting time for the rowing program," said fifth-year head coach Leeanne Crain. "This project has been in the works for a long time, and through the efforts of many, will soon be a reality."
The 12,000-square-foot boathouse will feature six individual boat bays for the team's rowing shells and will have easy access onto the lake via the team's new wet dock that opened this past year.
The clubhouse will encompass nearly 6,000 total square-feet and have ample space for erg training, meeting rooms and coaches' offices.
"The new UCF Intercollegiate Rowing Center should provide our varsity women's program with that extra edge in their quest to win an NCAA title," added UCFAA Director of Athletics and Executive Vice President Keith Tribble. "Last year, our program advanced all the way to the NCAA Championship races, this year we'll add to our history with our very-own state-of-the-art rowing center."
For the Knights, 2006-07 was arguably their most successful season 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.
Heading into the upcoming spring 2008 season, the women's rowing program is aiming for its second consecutive trip to the NCAA Championships. The Knights' are back in action March 2008 starting the season with the Metro Cup in Winter Park. This past fall, the varsity women excelled with medal performances most recently at the Head of the Hooch in Chattanooga, Tenn.
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.
--UCFAA--