Rowing:move from lightweight to heavy?

<p>Hi. This is a question for a college rower, or parent of a college rower. My 6'0 son is talking to lightweight coaches as he is in the mid 160's and the heavyweight coaches suggest he sticks with pursuing lightweight unless his weight gets over 170. He hasn't grown in almost 2 years. However, his father is very tall, 6'7 and I am 5'8". He may have stopped growing , or may have a late growth spurt. My question is... If someone is recruited for a lightweight team,and then has a growth spurt in college and finds it impossible to make weight, can he then try out for/ transition to a heavyweight team? Has anyone seen this happen? Thanks.</p>

<p>My S is a only rising senior but I do know a boy rowing at an Ivy who had this situation. His bigger issue was that because the LWT college crews have to average 155lbs with no rower over 160, he was forced to diet his entire freshman year of college and was consequently miserable. He never PR’d at college because his prior 2Ks (in high school) had been pulled at 167-170 pounds. So the heavies did not take him and he feels he can not diet anymore. He says he is done. Now if your son shoots to 6’7" his 2K will be taken care of and the heavies will be clamoring for him.</p>

<p>Thanks for responding Rowmom. Your story is exactly what I am concerned about… Who needs that added stress? poor guy. My son has been straightforward with the coaches about his weight, now @ 163. They tell him it’s “fine.” He is still in touch with a few heavyweight coaches. One IVY heavyweight coach said, “if you drop below 6:30 (2k), we may want you, too, especially if you are still growing”. And he is reaching for that goal by summer’s end. I suggested to him that he contact his former h.s team mates who are on college lightweight teams and get the scoop on making weight, dieting, etc. We shall see! Thanks, and good luck to your son!</p>

<p>163 probably is fine. Just as the coaches said.</p>