Attached is a handout from the “Stuart Crew Row in College” alumni panel night put together from a variety of resources and personal experience. While some information is specifically for those who decided to go through the recruitment process, there are good resource citations (e.g., US Rowing Guidebook to College Rowing) and tips for anyone interested in college rowing. Also attached are the “rowing resumes” examples that was discussed.

Several points mentioned on the topic of college rowing at the event are worth reinforcing, most importantly:

— There are a wide range of rowing programs that college students may choose that vary in time commitment, requirements, competition, and resources. It is important to think about why you want to row in college. Everyone in crew knows the benefits of the sport, and many of these benefits continue in college. The college students in the panel mentioned their top reasons to include the camaraderie within the team, having the community of shared interests, the opportunity to push physical limits, and competing at a high level. While other perks of different types of programs were discussed, focus should be on the love of the sport.

—  Choosing a college you want to attend and one you think is right for you is most important. Success in academics is what collegiate rowing emphasizes. If you would not be happy at a particular college, being on it’s rowing team will not eliminate the reasons why the school is not right for you.

— The path students take is also varied with no one right approach. Some college students chose their colleges solely on factors other than rowing and enjoy the benefit that their university has a team to join. Others have used rowing to narrow choices among a few schools. Only a couple have pursued full recruitment accepting funds for a commitment to be on a team. It should totally be what is right for you.

—Learning about particular college rowing programs is critical to understanding if you would like to join a specific team. There are team websites, recruiting websites (even for those not interested in recruiting), interaction with coaches and other team members that are critical ways to gather this information. Summer rowing programs are also very useful to see how different programs are run, talk to rowers from other schools, and even meet college coaches.

—Stuart has alumni  at a variety of colleges and universities — all with very different programs. Continue to reach out to these students to explore the differences and learn what choice may be right for you.

Chris Hegemann,

Former Stuart Crew Booster President

Current Parent of a Rutgers Rower and a Stuart Raider