Can I row in college?

Question
QUESTION: I'm a female novice, junior in high school, 5'4'', 140 lbs, 2k erg score is 7:52 (first one ever). Could I potentially row at an Ivy League school or do I have no potential because of my height?

ANSWER: Hi Cassie: For a first-time-ever 2K, 7:52 is already a better-than-average time for 16-17 year-old women heavyweights (Average time is 8:06).  In fact, you are already in the Top-40%.  So, obviously you have a lot of potential.  While your height might limit your chances for rowing at the Top-1% women's programs (Like the Yale Varsity 8 or the US Women's Olympic crew), there is no reason why you couldn't make it to a very competitive and fast boat.

While the erg is a good measure of rowing potential, I don't know if you have any on-water experience yet.  That's something you need to get in a hurry to prepare yourself for rowing in college.

Good Luck/AP

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I'm currently rowing for my high school so I'm gaining on water experience.

If I want to row at an Ivy League school (For example, UPenn or Cornell), is there a target 2k erg score I can set as a goal? I just want to get a sense for how I would have to train. I am not looking to be recruited- just trying to walk on if I attend one of these schools.

Thanks!

Answer
Hi Again, Cassie: You answer depends on the coach.  I've heard of some coaches that will pretty much say to you, "Don't talk to me unless you can pull a 7:30 or better 2K." Other coaches will look at "the total package," i.e., erg, on-water record, grades, extra-curricular activities.  Then there's other coaches who may be in the middle.

To be honest with you, to row at an Ivy League school, you have to have incredibly good grades.  If you don't have near a 4.0 GPA and a 2100 or better SAT, you can row a 7:00 2K and still not get in because Student-Athlete is what counts at an Ivy League school.

But I still didn't answer your question.  Make your ergometer goal 7:40 or better.  That will put you in the Top-25% for girls between 17-19 years old (the age of a college freshman).  Plus, you are going to have a huge advantage as a walk-on, because most college walk-ons HAVE NEVER ROWED A STROKE IN THEIR LIFE in a racing shell.  But also aim for the academic goals, which are far more important.

Good Luck/AP