Getting Noticed

Question
QUESTION: Hi Al, im currently a freshman in highschool who has been
rowing for 2 years. My 2k erg time is 7:18, and i was
curious what am i looking at to get noticed by schools on
scholarships, for the record i live in canada.
Thanks

ANSWER: Hi Dylan: I'd say everything is on track for you.  You already have a lot of experience.  Not knowing your weight, your erg time is right at the median for rowers your age.  You might want to target a goal of 7:08 by this time next year with an ultimate goal of breaking the 7:00 barrier before you graduate high school.

At this early stage of your career, its kind of hard to get noticed by college coaches unless you are rowing for a top-level school that is driving down to Philadelphia for the Stotesbury Cup in May, or you are participating in a Junior National camp.  For the next 2 years, you should just focus on maintaining excellent grades, trying to make the Varsity boat, and rowing in the summer at a major club like Saint Catherines or the Toronto Argonauts.  Your goal is to apply to colleges in your junior year and having a wealth of experience and big races -- and medals -- under your belt.  

Good Luck/AP  



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: im a ltwt 120 lbs, and i am rowing for SCRC in the summer and the fall season, our school has won schoolboy overall a couple time in the past few years and in the last 10 years we have placed top 10 overall, so we will definetly  be at Stotesbury, i also live in St. Catharines. Any additional tips would be appreciated. Thank you very much

Answer
Hi Again, Dylan: St. Catherines is a nice town.  I competed twice in the Royal Canadian Henley many years ago and had a great time on both occasions.

Well, if you are pulling a 7:18 at 120 lbs., you are a very talented rower.  I guess the only tip I would give you is that you should definitely consider rowing lightweight.  You should also consider bulking up and gaining weight.  I think you can gain another 30 pounds and still row lightweight in high school.  Make sure you are eating at least 4000 calories a day.  Also, start a weight lifting program that emphasizes heavier weights and less reptitions to bulk up your muscles.   

Regards/AP