MANHATTAN, Kan. Former Kansas State rower Grace Riekenberg helped pull her Oxford crew to a record-breaking finish over Cambridge on April 1.

The Oxford Blue boat finished half a length ahead of their rival to become the first women's crew ever to break the six-minute barrier at the Henley Boat Races. Oxford also shattered the best time for the 2,000-meter course by 17 seconds with a final time of 5 minutes, 44 seconds.

The Cambridge crew made them earn it, however. At one point during the dual, they were merely a seat down and made several advances to finish just a second behind Oxford.

"I have to say I respect the Cambridge crew," Riekenberg said. "They gave us a good race. There were a few moments when their challenge made me question myself I had to dig deeper and find another gear."

Riekenberg and her teammates were forced to make rowing history in less than stellar weather conditions. Rain and even hail descended throughout the dual, which hampered everyone’s efforts at times.

"It wasn't a technically sound piece of work," Riekenberg said. "But, in terms of effort and aggression, I found the race to be highly satisfying."

While racing may not be a focus again until next term, Riekenberg anticipates more opportunities to continue her rowing career.

"Perhaps it's sacrilegious of me to say this, but Saturday was a little bit of an anti-climax," she said. "I've made history, but I still have a future to carve with decisions about what level of rowing to pursue later and/or what further academic pursuits to engage in."

The Kansas State women’s rowing team, meanwhile, has several more spring races on tap, beginning with Saturday's dual in Lawrence with their own rival, Kansas, for the Kansas Cup.