Over half of the 2012 and 2016 USA Olympic team learned to row after high school.
Do three or more of these apply to you?
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I want to be a Division II athlete.
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I want to compete at the Olympics.
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I want to be a National Champion.
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I am an exceptional teammate.
Informational Meeting: Walk-On Wednesday
Dates: Every Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m
Location: MAC at the back of the basketball courts.
For questions, please email nhannon@mercyhurst.edu.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need prior rowing experience?
No. You need absolutely NO prior rowing experience. None. If you know how to jog, you can try-out for rowing.
How is that possible?
Rowing requires a great attitude and a good work ethic. We teach you everything else you need to know. Over half of the United States Olympic rowing team learned how to row in college.
In the fall, you participate in afternoon practices with other students who have just started the sport as well. At the end of the semester, if you are doing well and you like the sport, you are asked to join the varsity team and become a Division II student-athlete for Mercyhurst University.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Sort of. You need to know how to keep your head above water. Boats rarely flip, but if it does, all rowers and coxswains need to be comfortable in water.
I have class some afternoons, can I still try-out?
Yes! We understand that you came to Mercyhurst for its academic opportunities and were not planning on rowing. If you cannot attend the afternoon session, a morning session will be available. However, if you are still in the add/drop period and can easily move discussion sessions out of the afternoon time frame, you may want to consider doing so, but it is not required.
For the spring semester, team members receive priority scheduling and will be able to choose their class schedule with consideration to practice times.
How do I get to the boathouse?
The team has a bus that will take you to the boathouse, and back to campus.
What type of student is Mercyhurst Rowing looking for?
Walk-ons on our team have come from all different backgrounds (see below). However, they all share a desire to work hard every day and have a great attitude. Successful walk-ons display more than one of the following qualities:
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Have a great attitude
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Love to work hard
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Are tall (5'8" or taller)
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Have an athletic background
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Are highly competitive and love to win
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Are a great team player
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Can commit to long term goals
How can I prepare for try-outs?
Work out! Try-outs will start slowly, but you will want to be in good shape coming in.
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Biking, running, swimming, climbing, kayaking
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Planks (elbow bridges)
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Body weight squats
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Yoga
What about my school work? Will my grades be affected by the time commitment?
Rowers at Mercyhurst have a higher GPA than the student body. Many of our team members are well above a 3.0, with some completing perfect 4.0's while training. Our athletes have a wide range of majors in many different colleges, from Intelligence to Art therapy.
Although it might seem overwhelming your, having a more structured day can help keep you focused and on task. It is possible to be a great student and a great athlete.
Why should I try-out for rowing?
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Have the opportunity to compete at the NCAA championships.
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Form close bonds with teammates who will act as your family and support network through your time at Mercyhurst.
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Become eligible for scholarship your second year on the team.
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Be around other driven athletes.
Still not sure? Come try it anyway! Worst case, you learn a new sport and make good friends. Keep in mind though, half of the Olympic women's rowing team in 2012 STARTED their rowing career in college … it could be you!
