height/weight

Question
I am a sophomore in high-school and it will be my second year rowing. I am a girl at 5'5 and 150 pounds give or take- and very strong. I was in the 8 last year in seat 2, and didn't make the 4. My erg time for 2k was 2:05 split. Do I have a chance at rowing in university?


Answer
Hi E from Canada: Compared to other women your age and weight, your 2K erg time is slightly below average (8:12).  But your time will definitely go down with more training and experience. You have a 100% chance of rowing in a college program.  Just about all colleges actively recruit walk-ons to fill out their boats -- even if you have no previous experience.  The fact that you have experience and physical potential gives you a chance at making the Freshman 8 for all but the best crews.  

Getting a rowing scholarship may be tougher.  You really need to have a lot of rowing experience in top-level consideration to be considered. But see how much you improve in the next year or two to see if you want to try for a scholarship or just join a crew as a walk-on.

Good Luck/AP