going into my junior year in HS

Question
I'm going into my junior year in highschool and what will be my third year of rowing. I'm 6'5" and about 180-185 pounds last spring my 2k was 6 minutes 56 seconds. I want to use crew to get into college and hopefully get a scholarship. Where should I be and what should i do to achieve this?

Answer
Hi PJ:

Your strengths: Your Height and your 2 years of experience.

Neutral: Erg scores are middle of the pack for someone your age, but I imagine they will go up by your senior year (a time of 6:40 or better would put you in the Top 25%); also, no idea of your on-water success.

Possible Weakness: At 180, you are way too light for your height.  Your "fighting weight" should be about 200 to 210.  If you haven't started one, you need to augment you rowing with a muscle-building weight lifting routine.  You may want to also add more good calories to your diet through meat, dairy and veggies.

Overall outlook: Many crews would love to have you as a prospect based on your height.  Focus your junior year on gaining weight and building an on-water resume of successful races and regattas.  Consider rowing in a summer program and/or trying out for a national camp next summer.  I'd say the combination of adding weight to your frame, getting your erg score down by at least 10 seconds and some big races on the water will make you a better candidate for a scholarship.

Good Luck/AP