Ability to walk on at Temple University

Question
QUESTION: I'm a 6'1 165 senior male interested in walking on (temple is my first choice
school.) Currently I pull a 6:59.3 2k, but hope to bring that down this winter. I
also have four years stroking experience. What would you think my chances
would be of walking on at Temple (or anywhere else?)

ANSWER: Hi Kevin: Well Temple is near and dear to my heart.  I joined the Temple crew as a walk-on in 1978 and got a varsity letter in 1982.  

Things have changed a bit when I walked on 30 years ago.  Temple was not a very competitive crew back then and they gave out very few scholarships.  The crew literally survived through walk-ons.  They even put ads around the student center asking for recruits (No Experience Necessary!!).  Today, as a major rowing program, Temple recruits candidates from all over the world.  But Temple, as every other crew college from Harvard to the smallest college with a single wooded shell, always accept and actively look for walk-ons who they can develop.  

If you live in Philadelphia, you may want to visit the Temple boathouse (it's the one near the Strawberry Mansion Bridge) and introduce yourself.  You should definitely write a letter to the coach and tell him a little about yourself and some of your rowing accomplishments.  Some high school rowers are even sending e-mails with videos of them rowing an exceptionally goood race or erg piece.

The coach at Temple is Dr. Gavin White, Jr.  Incredibly, he was my coach when he was just starting out.  He's a great guy.  If you do join Temple, make sure you mention my name.  He'll probably say, "Al Pepper, who the hell is he to advise anybody on rowing."

The bottom line is: Yes, you can definitely make the Temple crew as a walk-on.  Getting to row varsity might be a challenge.  One final note: Do you intend to row lightweight? Temple's lightweight programs are usually not that strong (there are years where Temple didn't even put out a lightweight boat).  Check with Coach White.

Good Luck/AP

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

QUESTION: Thanks for your great insight! I have thought about rowing lightweight(making me more competetive) but am concerned about a constant five to ten pound weight loss.

Another thought though, if I am not able to row for Temple (which is likely my school choice) what other clubs are there in the Philadelphia area for someone like me? (I'm not from Philly.)

Answer
Hi Again, Kevin: I am never comfortable in advising people whether to row heavyweight or lightweight.  The last thing I want to do is cause someone to suffer an eating disorder.  I would just say that you are probably still growing, so going lightweight will make you a weaker rower.

As for Philly crews, its hard to say what college is best suited for you.  I don't know your grades, SAT scores, or parent's financial standing.  Anyway, your choices are:

University of Penn: Elite Ivy League crew program.  Better than Temple.  Very competitive entrance requirements and very expensive.

Drexel University: Engineering school with a pretty good crew program, though they have been down of late.

Villanova University: Smaller program in the Main Line.  Augustinian Catholic school that is quite pricey.

St. Joseph's University.  Another small program that occasionally fields very strong crews.  Another Catholic school that is pricey.

LaSalle College: Small program.  Also a Catholic school.  Neighborhood is not that great.

If I had to give you a recommendation, I would say Temple remains your best choice.  One other point.  Rowing in Philly gives you access to all the private rowing clubs in the city, like Vesper and Penn A. C. I used to row in the spring with Temple and the summer with the Crescent Boat Club.  In fact, the summer rowing season was more competitive than the college season.

Regards/AP