ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) - The UCF rowing team opens the 2017 racing season on Saturday at the Metro Cup in Winter Park. The team will start at 8 a.m., and continue until 10:30 a.m. against Rollins College and Johnson & Wales.
The team returns to Lake Maitland for the 37th year but this time is racing in a boat to honor former UCF rowing coach and UCF Hall of Famer, Dennis Kamrad.
Dennis Kamrad
Kamrad was UCF's first and only women's rowing coach until his retirement in 2003, guiding the program for its first 30 seasons. He began his coaching career at UCF in 1973 and oversaw the sport during its club years and then during its elevation to varsity status at UCF in 1996.
He also founded various rowing teams in high schools around Florida. Assistant rowing coach Kathy Les called Kamrad "the Father of Florida Rowing."
UCF's top squad will row in the new Dennis Kamrad boat, which will be the second boat that honors his legacy – as the men's club team already has a boat in his name.
Kamrad retired in 2003 and was the first coach to bring the team to the Metro Cup so it's only fitting to receive the honor at the meet.
"The opportunity to do it at the Metro Cup is so instrumental to honor his legacy," said head coach Becky Cramer. "It's the right place, right time and it's long overdue."
Kamrad will receive the honor of the boat following the Saturday's race in a ceremony that will take place at approximately noon.