Patrick Sweeney came to Kansas State seven years ago looking for a challenge, one he didn't take lightly as he inherited a sub-par women's rowing program, one that some K-State students may not even realize exists today.

The Kansas State rowing team continues to see the rewards of its hard work on the water and in the classroom. Seven Wildcats were honored by the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association as 2009 CRCA National Scholar-Athletes.

OAK RIDGE, Tenn. — The Kansas State rowing team took to the waters in the Central Regional on Saturday with the First Varsity 8+ advancing to the Petite Final.

The Kansas State rowing team came away victorious against rival Kansas in the annual Kansas Cup on Saturday on Wyandotte County Lake. The Wildcats won three of five races against the Jayhawks and outscored their opponent 12-8 for the win.

The Kansas State men's crew team is competing in the 126th annual Royal Canadian Henley Regatta in St. Catharines, Canada until Sunday.

Seven Kansas State rowers were listed as CRCA National Scholar Athletes for the 2008 season as announced by the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association. Senior Bjai Rice led the Wildcats honorees after earning the accolade for the third consecutive year.

The Kansas State men's rowing club placed in a couple of events at the American Collegiate National Championship.

AUSTIN, Texas —Kansas State pushed Tri-Meet titlist Texas to the end, but fell short in the two varsity races as the Wildcats took second in the First and Second Varsity 8+ competitions. The Longhorns took the crown at the event featuring the three Big 12 programs of Kansas, Kansas State and Texas, winning for the seventh-consecutive year. Texas took race wins in four of the six that took place Saturday from Lady Bird Lake.

While many of KSU's opponents recruit from coastal or European schools with rowing programs, Patrick Sweeney has a different approach.