The Wichita State rowing team’s 3rd Annual Shocker Sprints Indoor Rowing Race has a new challenge race.

Local Cub Scout Pack 506, Den 2, Webelos I of Wichita have challenged Shocker Rowers to a 200-meter race. Because the racing is computerized, the 8-12 year olds can be given a handicap to make the race fair. Four scouts will race as one boat against four Shocker rowers.

“The efforts of the rowers appear on a screen that is magnified so that spectators can tell how far behind the Shocker rowers will be when they start racing,” said WSU assistant rowing coach Tori Breithaupt. “It will be very exciting to watch because you can see the play by play on the screen and get close to the racers to cheer them on.”

Shocker Sprints takes place 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Feb. 12, at WSU’s Heskett Center. Admission is free.

Events at Shocker Sprints include the 2,000-meter races, 500-meter races and the team 1,000-meter race.

The 2,000-meter is for anyone who wants to measure his or her fitness. In the team 1,000-meter races, four athletes compete as one boat against four other athletes – similar to the scout challenge.

The 500-meter races are an easy distance for most people. There are prizes for the best WSU Student and Best WSU Faculty/Staff racer.

The event is free for participants. To register for the race, go to www.wichita.edu/rowing.

Breithaupt will also hold free clinics for those wanting to know how to row on the machines. Clinics are from noon-12:35 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8, and 5:15-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9.