Running --> Crew?? (Accepted Senior)

Athletic Recruits
1

<p>I think I may be going a little crazy with my decision coming up, but I'd like a little advice. I've been accepted to Emory, Haverford, Davidson, Williams, Amherst, Pomona, Columbia, Stanford, and Yale. For financial reasons, I've removed Emory, Haverford, and Davidson. Yale, Columbia, and Stanford were the only three super reaches I applied to, and I honestly wasn't expecting to get accepted to one of them, let alone all three. My decision is difficult as I was recruited to run cross country and track at the Division III schools and Davidson, and I don't yet know my running future at Yale, Columbia, and Stanford. </p>

<p>I've also always wanted to try crew, but never had time in high school -- and I know that crew is much more walk-on friendly than running (even for people without experience). Is it possible for me to successfully transition to crew, and does anyone know anything about that process, especially at the schools I listed? I'm a pretty good runner (~15:50 5K, ~ 9:40 two mile, 6'0" with long arms, and lightly built as I've never done weight training or anything like that). </p>

<p>Right now I'm pretty sure running is out at Stanford, but they do have a good running club I could maybe join. I honestly don't really know about Yale and Columbia at this point, it will probably depend on my last couple of races (and those will be during the next couple of weeks, when I'm flying back and forth for different visits and not really focusing on them). But part of me is just so stressed out all the time from running, and I think it might be nice to do something more relaxing for a change of pace. Also the idea that I can really do whatever I want in the next few years is pretty awe-inspiring! </p>

<p>Hopefully that isn't too confusing and kind of outlines my predicament some. I really would like the "brotherhood" that an athletic team provides in college, but I just can't imagine turning down one of my top choices for athletic reasons. </p>

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<p>How much do you weigh? Both Yale and Columbia have lightweight crew teams - the college cutoff is 160 lbs., but the weight of the rowers in the boat has to average 155, so they need a 150-lber to offset every guy at 160. If you are 160 or below, you might have a shot at walking on to these crew teams. If you’re really serious, you should find an erg, have someone show you the rudiments of form, and then practice a few times. Once you have the hang of it, do a timed 2k test. Below 6:45 is when colleges begin to show interest in recruits, though 6:40 is better. As a walk-on, if you can get close to that level, teams will be glad to have you around and teach you how to row.</p>

<p>The Division III schools will be much easier to walk-on to, but I don’t think any of them have lightweight teams.</p>

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<p>@baltimoreguy Thanks for the help! I weigh about 135-138. I’m guessing Stanford doesn’t have a lightweight team? I also have a few friends who row, so hopefully one of them could help me learn over the summer. Is making those kind of times feasible at all? I’m a strong endurance athlete…</p>

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<p>My daughter did crew all four years at Amherst. She had never rowed before but was a serious athlete in another sport. Her crew friends are the ones she is with now, 2 years out, and will be for life. I am sure with your running background you won’t have any problem transitioning to crew. Pm me if you want and I will put you in touch with my daughter.</p>

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<p>@GA2012MOM – thank you for the reassurance!! I’ll have to see – I don’t know yet whether I’m going to continue at track… Just curious, how different is the rowing at Ivy vs NESCAC? </p>