Son Brandon wants to row on the college level

Question
My sons name is a Sr. all county football player, who found a new love and respect for the art of rowing this year. He is 6'3 220 zero fat and ripped. He's made a commitment to row daily and earn a seat on the varsity boat. He rowed 6 minutes and 57 seconds today in the 2K test and is going down in time about five to six seconds every two week as he improves in both skill and endurance. At that size weight with his current time and the ability to lower that time Bi-monthly what are his chances of being seen as a college prospect for the up coming year, he loves the sport so much that he has contemplated taking of one year, doing community college to better his skill, endurance and time. To be seen as a serious candidate by one of the top rowing Universities. What would be some good feedback for us in this new quest for the "Holy Grail", smile. From a supportive and caring father.

Answer
Hi Ed: First off, you're a good Dad.  My son is in high school too but wants no part of the sport I competed in for many years. Rowing is a good sport for your son; I've seen guys rowing into their 90s -- I never seen anyone playing football in his 90s.  Already, your son's erg time is just above average (7:00) for 17-18 year old heavyweights per the Concept II online rankings (the best time was 6:00!!). With your son's natural physical ability, he will improve dramatically over the coming spring.  

Not knowing how good his crew is, his boat's success would have some determination on how much scouting from college coaches he gets.  I the meantime, I would recommend the following:

1) Assuming your son is a senior, go ahead and apply to colleges that have good crew programs.  Not knowing what your son's academics are like, the best crew schools are any Ivy League school, Syracuse, Northeastern, Rutgers, Naval Academy, Temple, Purdue, Wisconsin, Washington, Cal, Stanford, USC and UCLA.  There are many others that may not be as good, but might give your son the chance to step right into the Varsity Boat.  I would not advise him to go to Junior College.  Every good Program has a Freshman-Novice crew where he can develop.  Check the college's website for application procedures for athletic programs.    

2) After he gets a few good races under his belt, you can send a letter to the crew coach telling about your son and his academic and athletic accomplishements.  Some even send a CD with them pulling a good erg piece or the crew rowing an exceptional race.

3) Find a rowing club in your area so that he can do additional practice and get some experience in smaller boats.  In particular, he should row in a summer program to really get a head start on the fall rowing season in college.

4) If your son proves to be a natural (i.e., pulling a 6:30 erg and/or medalling in major cometition), look into sending him for a tryout to a Junior National rowing camp this summer.

Hope This Helps/AP