The Wichita State rowing team is hosting a new race that will be a pre-qualifier to the CRASH-B Sprints World Indoor Rowing Championships, held Sunday, Feb. 22, in Boston.

Shocker Sprints will be held starting at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, in the Heskett Center on the WSU campus.

The race takes place on rowing machines, also known as “ergs.” The race will have events in the 2,000- and 500-meter distances.

Second-by-second results are electronically posted on a large screen.

The race is open to anyone who wants to participate.

“Anyone can get on a machine and race for 500 meters, or about two minutes,” said Tori Breithaupt, Shocker Sprint coordinator. “We’re hoping to attract fitness buffs who want to test their health in a different arena. Because rowing involves not only your legs but also back and arms, it really is a test of your whole body.”

Wichitan Bob Lakin, a veteran racer, is expected to compete. Last year at the world championships, he placed fifth in the Men’s Lightweight 50-59 event.

Also attending the Shocker Sprints are Southeast High School senior Rob Below, East High School senior Sydney Fish and Trinity High School senior Sydney Blanton. All three are junior rowers with the Wichita Rowing Association.

In the collegiate events, all of WSU’s rowers will compete. The women will have competition from Central Oklahoma University, the men from the University of Kansas, with other teams also expected to attend.

For more information, contact Tori Breithaupt at (316) 978-3465 or go to wichita.edu/rowing.