Can You Still Excel in Rowing? College Recruitment Potential

Question
I am currently in grade 10 and I started rowing this summer. I am athletic (I
played soccer for 10 years before rowing) and I am 5'7 and 135lbs. I am really
enjoying rowing and my coach has told me I have a very long stroke. I am just
wondering if I started rowing too late to be able to get recruited for a college
team. I always hear about people starting a year before I did. I have the
grades to go to a good school but will I be good enough at rowing in time to
be recruited? (assuming I work very hard, of course)  

Answer
Hi Thea: Believe it or not, you will have a big head start over most of the people that will tryout for crew in Freshman year.  Many will have no rowing experience whatsoever.  Most college crews actively recruit walk-ons to help fill out boats and to find potential candidates who may become varsity rowers.  I've seen walk-ons get scholarships.

So stick with the sport and it should all work out.

Good Luck/AP