Beginner 2k erg time

Question
I am a freshman in high school who is 6'0", 165 lbs., and has never rowed before.  In fact, this is the first time I've ever been involved in anything physically tasking.  My spring season atarts next week and I just rowed a 7:43 2k.  Is that a decent enough score for a beginner my age? Because I really want to get on the coach's good side and row in the first boat.

Answer
Hi Cameron: I compared your time to the online rankings on the Concept II web site for people your age.  Out of 232 rowers, your time would put you in 145th place.  That's pretty good considering most of the people here have more experience than you.  Your time will only go down as you get coaching and perfect your form.

While you have potential, be careful about unreasonable expectations.  Rowing in the Varsity 8 as a rank novice is a tall order.  Be happy to make the freshman boat or any boat the coach puts you in.  Crew is more than just erg scores.  Rowing on a stable ergometer by yourself and rowing in a tippy boat with seven other rowers can be quite different.  Just try to learn as much as you can about the sport this spring and enjoy yourself.  It really is a great sport.

Good Luck/AP