Nov. 14, 2015
ORLANDO, Fla. - The UCF Rowing closed out the fall at Lake Pickett on Saturday with the annual Black and Gold Challenge.
"The Black and Gold Challenge, and the days leading up to the Black and Gold Challenge, was a great opportunity for the team to take ownership of their training," head coach Becky Cramer said.
Team Black came out strong with a win in the Novice 8 and crossed just ahead of the Gold boat in the Varsity 8 race. The Black boats continued to build the team's lead with wins in the Senior 4+, double and pair races.
"Team Black really pulled through today," junior Rachael Klunder said. "We did good; we came up with six wins and four losses, but overall we won."
Team Gold collected its first win in the Freshman 4+ and followed with a win in the single race. Team Black won the mixed 4+ to ensure the team victory, but Team Gold closed out the day with victories in the mixed 8+ and the coxswain 2x.
"Team Gold did really well," senior Olivia Staples said. "We really pushed on each other. Some of the races didn't go as we planned, but that happens, so you've got to be prepared for that and fight back."
The Knights will open the 2016 spring season on Lake Pickett with a scrimmage against Tennessee on Feb. 20.
Story and video by Megan Herboth