Lightweight Mens Rowing

Question
Hi Mr. Pepper,

   Around a year and half ago I wrote to you and received great information. This time I want to update myself and see what my current status is. I am a male weighing 156lbs and 5?. I will be a senior in high school next year. My best 2k is 7:05; however, I probably could have improved it during my last day of crew. My goal for this year is under 7 (like last year). Things have changed though, I switched to a much larger and spirited team and my technique and power have greatly improved. I was just 2 seconds shy of making nationals in the open weight 4x at SW Regional抯. I row better on the water than on the erg. I am wondering if I am decent enough to be recruited to a well-ranked NCAA men抯 lightweight crew program. Thank you for all your advice and information!

Thanks,
Sam

Answer
Hi Again, Sam: Seems like you're on track for success in college.  I'm glad I could be of assistance.

Now that you are a rising senior, it's time to decide where you want to go to college and what crew program(s) show a mutual interest between yourself and your prospective coach.  First, you need to pick a college that is a good match for you academically.  Next, you should write or e-mail the lightweight coach of the college you are applying for and tell a little about yourself, to include:

- Height and weight
- 2K and 6K erg times
- Major races competed in and results
- Rowing experience, to include boats and seats you competed in (i.e., port/starboard; bowman, stroke)
- Other sports you have competed in and extracurricular activities
- Grades and SAT results

Hopefully, you will hear back from one or more of these coaches who can tell you where you might be rowing in as a freshman and scholarship opportunities.  Understand, that scholarships for mens college crew are very competitive (not so for women because of Title IX and the fact that most men's athletic scholarships are taken up by football).  I can't guarantee that this is 100% correct, but you might want to focus on schools with strong crew programs, but weak (or no) football programs (schools like Georgetown, George Washington U., Drexel, St. Josephs, La Salle and Marrietta fit that mold).

While I'm not as obsessed with erg results as some people are, there are coaches who make it a priority.  My former coach, Mike Teti, who coached the Men's Olympic crew to gold in 2004, said, "I know some people insist ergs don't float; but I can take someone with a great erg score and teach them to row." Now your erg score is above average, but I would like to see you reach your sub-7:00 minute 2K goal by the end of the year.

Finally, you are at the edge of the upper limit for lightweight rowing (160 lbs.).  I never advise people in high schools to stay below weight, especially if they are still growing.  However at your height, I think 155 is a good weight for you.  But even if your body is telling you it needs to grow, don't fight it.  The added muscle weight will make a difference in your erg time.  I also think you can succeed as a bowman in a very fast heavyweight boat.

Good Luck/AP