2k time for a freshman rower

Question
Hi, I am a freshmen in high school and just began rowing a couple of months ago. I am 6 feet tall and my weight usually floats around 160 pounds. I attend one of the most academically demanding private schools in New York, which is known for its rigorous workload, and have maintained a 93 overall average.  When I began rowing just two months ago, my 2k time was 8:40. Since then it has dropped to 7:25 and is still dropping on each 2k I row. I was wondering, if I continue to row for the next four years, what you think my chances are at rowing at the college level. Thank you for answering.

Answer
Hi Jack: Your best time is well above average for a 14-15 year-old lightweight. Now you are going to reach a point where you are going to hit a wall in terms of your erg times getting lower.  This is expected and advanced training and experience will enable you to cut off a few seconds over time.  But if you can get to under 7:00 be senior year, you will be highly regarded as a rower,  

I'd say your chances of rowing in college are 100%.  I can say this because nearly all college crews accept walk-ons regardless of experience.  Many have never even rowed an ergometer piece, let alone race on the water.

If you stick with the sport through high school and gain some on-water racing experience, you might be good enough by then to even get recruited for a rowing scholarship.  Your excellent grades could even get you considered for schools like Columbia and Cornell.

Good Luck/AP