The K-State rowing team competed in the Hornet Invitational on March 14-15 in Sacramento, California, marking the beginning of the 2026 racing season. They then competed in the Sarasota 2k at Nathan Benderson Park in Bradenton, Florida, March 27-28. Although there were no top finishes, the team raced against ranked competition and conference opponents they will face later in the season.
The team participated in three sessions of races during the Hornet Invitational and two sessions over the two days of the Sarasota 2k. Notably, the 1v4+ boat won two out of its three races in California and advanced to the petite final in the Sarasota 2k. The 1v8+, 2v8+ and novice 3v8+ boats competed tightly in their races at the Hornet Invitational. The 1v8+ and 2v8+ advanced to their respective third-level finals, and the 3v8+ to their petite final in Florida.
Head coach Kennedy Felice was happy with the progress the team made in their time in California and Florida, but told her team there is still much more to be made.
“The work isn’t done, continue to refuel and recover and be ready to go on Monday,” said Felice upon arriving back in Manhattan after their trip.
After the Hornet Invitational, hosted by Sacramento State University, the team remained in California for a five-day spring training camp at the Sacramento State Aquatic Center. Senior team co-captain, Lorelei Harris, emphasized the importance of having more time on the water.
“You notice it [lack of water time] early on, just with efficiency moving through the water compared to other teams, especially in Florida, where we’re racing against really high competition,” Harris said. “In California, we focused on a lot of technique after those first few races, and I feel like it really came through in Florida.”
The team will look to improve their sharpness and efficiency through the water as the season goes on, especially against Big 12 conference opponents.
“Our competition is also working hard,” sophomore coxswain Ally Exline said. “Getting to see where we are in comparison to other schools in the conference has added more fuel to refine and progress.”
The Wildcats will travel to Kansas City, Kansas, on April 11 to take on the University of Kansas in the Sunflower Showdown. The following week, the team will be in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, for the SIRA Championship.
“I think a big goal is just getting quicker, getting a PR every time we’re on the water and looking to medal at Big 12s,” Harris said. “Our focus now is just going to be technique and getting quicker through the water, because the strength is there, so now it’s just going to be technique.”
The team’s goals will remain consistent as the season progresses and ultimately lead to the Big 12 Championship, where the Wildcats will be at Nathan Benderson Park on May 17.