After college

Question
I was a lightweight walk on two years ago and have gotten pretty good on the erg and on the water; my 5k split this fall is 2:00 so far and my 2k split (from last year) is 1:55.  I have fallen in love with the sport and the competition and would love to continue after graduation.  In addition to the US National team, are there any other opportunities for highly competitive rowing after college?

Answer
Hi CJ: Absolutely, Yes to rowing after college.  That said, unless you are the best of the best (i.e., are invited to try out for the National team), rowing at that level is not very realistic.  But there are rowing clubs throughout the country that offer highly competitive crews and opportunities to race at prestigious regattas such as the US Nationals, the Royal Canadian Henley, and the Head of the Charles.

If you are serious about competing after college, you may want to consider relocating to a city with a concentration of good clubs, such as Philadelphia or Boston.  But you can pretty much find a competive club anywhere that has water.  

Good Luck/AP