Rowing in University

Question
Hello,
I recently started rowing (6 months ago), and I am 16 yrs old, 5'11" and 150 pounds. I live in Canada and my most recent (it was my second) 2k erg test was at Canadian Indoors, and it was a time of 7:34.1.
I am in the IB program at my school and up until this year I have been primarily focussed on school/marks for looking to universities and scholarships, but if I stick with rowing and continue training daily is there a possibility of my getting a scholarship for a US (or any) school?
Along with rowing, I run cross country and swim for cross training.
Thank you for your time

Answer
Carly,

For a novice your time is impressive, I like to compare times to the C.R.A.S.H.-B. (indoor world championship erging competition) event, out of 218 competitors you would have placed 24th in the junior woman's category. This is very good, for most of the women in this category have been rowing for multiple years.

As far as getting a scholarship goes it is important to realize that many of the top schools in the US do not give athletic (or even academic) scholarships, most provide money based solely on financial aid. However that does not mean you cannot be recruited to said schools for rowing. Rowing will open the doors to the school of your choice if you have decent grades, if you could get this in the low 7:10 range, you have a strong chance of being able to go wherever you want.

Your cross training is some of the most beneficial that you can do, running and swimming both build up the crucial endurance that you need for your pieces, but it is important not to forget to work out in the gym. Weight training builds the brute strength that you need to pull a low split on the erg, it allows for you to have the explosive power that is necessary in crew, and should be incorporated into every athletes workout.

If you stick with it and really get to enjoy the sport I have no doubt that you will go far. If you are interested in rowing in college, contact the coaches! They will be glad to answer any of your questions or concerns that you may have, as well as provide a crucial link to the school. Go get em!

Best,
Richard Izzo