New Rower / Recruit Frequently Asked Questions

Every year UC Rowing recruits top rowers, coxswains, athletes, and tenacious walk-ons from high school and youth programs, who want to compete, go fast and win at the highest level of American intercollegiate rowing.

Q: Why row for the University of Cincinnati?

A: UC Rowing is oriented towards becoming the fastest co-ed club program in the country. As our team continues to grow, we will race, as we have in the past, with some of the best teams in the country. While training and competing, you will develop time-management skills, elite-level fitness, and life-long friends. You will be a full time student-athlete at a Division I school. So, join some of the best athletes at the University of Cincinnati! Represent our University in some of the highest level competition in the Nation!

Q: Do you have what it takes to row for the Bearcats?

A: Our recruitment motto is “Athletes Wanted, Athletes Made”. We believe that students who already have physical, athletic attributes and who have been competitive athletes tend to make the best rowers, whether having rowed before college or not. However, UC Rowing provides a unique opportunity for some students to “make” themselves into highperformance, inter-collegiate athletes. Basically, if you can take it, you can make it.

Q: There are no tryouts and no cuts. If this is a serious inter-collegiate sport, how can that be?

A: The UC Rowing Team has a long term goal of a team co-ed national championship. In order for this to occur, our crews must earn points in a variety of events for both men and women, both open weight and light weight, including the Varsity Eight, Junior Varsity Eight, 3rd Level Eight, Varsity 4, Junior Varsity 4, Pairs, etc. If all these boating’s are filled, for men, women, open weight, and lightweight, a national championship level crew could easily have 120 athletes. .Everyone who trains is training to race. Some will leave the team for personal reasons, but the men’s and women’s freshmen and novice squads combined will be around 35- 45 athletes in the Spring of 2011 with more in the Fall of2010.

Q: So what type of athlete are you looking for?

A: There are definite physical advantages to being tall, but we have had athletes of all shapes, sizes and from a variety of athletic backgrounds achieve great success as UC rowers. The things they all have in common are a desire to work hard together and a passion for excellence. We are also looking for smaller, highly-competitive athletes to be coxswains. The coxswains (“cox’n”) is the eyes and brain of a crew, steering the shell, implementing the race plan, and motivating the crew to victory. The best rowers in the world are tall, strong, aggressive, and dedicated. At a school this big, we are able to row many categories to accommodate people of all sizes. Men over 6’0“ are a plus, women over 5’8“are a plus, but not mandatory. Tall rowers have a leverage advantage in the boat. They are able to take a longer stroke to pry the boat ahead. Being taller does not guarantee success, but it does give you an advantage. Many shorter athletes are also successful at the collegiate level; commitment and hard work can take any athlete a long way in this sport. Some of our best rowers come from diverse backgrounds such as football, basketball, swimming, soccer, tennis, cross country, cycling, etc. and others have never done an organized sport. Again, the most important traits are commitment and a desire to work hard.

Q: I have never rowed before. Can I still try this?

A: Absolutely. More than 90% of our team members have not rowed prior to attending UC. Our team’s success is built largely on the efforts of walk-on athletes. Most of our athletes have some form of athletic background, be it track, swimming, football, basketball, volleyball, or cross country running. Many want to participate in the sport because of the benefits of discipline, fitness and teamwork. Anyone who is interested is encouraged to learn the sport.

Q: If I come to the team with no experience, won’t that mean I have to compete against those who have rowed for several years?

A: No. Intercollegiate rowing has a unique and special history. First year rowers, and those with rowing experience but in their freshmen year of college, can participate at regattas against other freshmen and novice crews. Thus for one year, the experience playing field is somewhat leveled. After your first year of rowing, then yes, you will contend with all other members of the team not rowing as freshmen and novices for spots in the fastest crews.

Q: What is this about open weight rowers and lightweight rowers?

A: Unlike most other non-combat sports, rowing has a special weight category called lightweight. An athlete of any weight can enter the open categories. Lightweight Men cannot race weighing more than 160 pounds. Lightweight Women cannot race weighing more than 130 pounds. UC Rowing focuses on having the fastest athletes in the fastest boats regardless of size. Basically it comes down to pulling your weight most efficiently.

Q: When are your practices?

A: For first year rowers, novices, practices are in the afternoon during the fall quarter. Those freshmen with rowing experience will be allowed to compete in the fall for boats that will travel to fall “head” races. Following the fall head racing season, experienced freshmen and novices will collaborate. There will also be some cross training. Practice is mandatory to remain part of the team. Novice summer Learn to Row mini-camps and Fall Novice practice times will be posted on the website.

Q: How can I get to water practices without a car?

A: The team carpools to practices. Typically we meet at the CCM Circle for carpools. Check website for further information.

Q: Are there dues?

A: Yes. Officially, UC Rowing is a club sport (UC Club Sports). However it is the largest, oldest, and most successful club having obtained the status of “semi-varsity” thus operating in many ways like a varsity athletic program. As a club sport we are responsible for our own budget and raise this money through dues and fundraising by the athletes, with some contribution from the university. Rowers pay each quarter, but have the opportunity to work it off through the Rent-A-Rower program and other recruiting and academic performance programs. Our UC Rowing alumni also provide more and more support.

Q: Do I need to have a physical performed by a physician before I start?

A: No. However, you will certainly need to be physically capable of training and racing. All athletes sign a waiver and a statement that they are physically capable of doing this. If you question your ability to you should consult a doctor for a recommendation.

Q: My parents and I are worried about having enough time to study. Will this interfere?

A: One of the really important things that rowing will help you learn is the importance of good study habits. Rowers very quickly learn how to maximize time and prioritize as they learn to structure their days to include working out, class time and studying. Being a student-athlete is challenging in ways that it isn’t in high school, it may require some sacrifice of TV time or just “hanging out doing nothing in particular” time. Good grades are very achievable with the right approach. Our student-athletes have some of the highest GPA’s on campus as they learn very good time management. Many of our rowers succeed in the most rigorous undergraduate academic programs at UC. We care a lot about academic success. How much time does crew take up? You will train six days a week for about an hour or two.

Q: Do you miss a lot of class time for travel?

A: No. In the entire year, you may miss at most 3-5 days - mostly Fridays (which are usually light class days anyway).These days will generally be in the spring sprint season. Students make the necessary arrangements with their professors. The club does stagger its departure times, so that you miss as little class time as possible.

Q: Where does the team practice?

A: Depending on the weather conditions and season, we practice at one of three locations: We row out of the Shelter Cove Marina about 15 minutes from campus. Indoor rowing, including using indoor rowing tanks is at The Rowing Center located below the Montgomery Inn Boathouse downtown on the Ohio River. Other indoor rowing, with 35 indoor rowing ergometers, and strength / fitness training takes places on campus, including special access and services at the Campus Recreation Center.

Q: Is it all hard work?

A: No, you will have a lot of fun and make life long friends. We have a large and friendly team. You will get in shape, learn a lot, and produce plenty of endorphins.

Q: Is there a certain level of fitness required before joining the team?

A: Rowing is a highly competitive sport, so your fitness level plays the largest factor in your success on the team. That being said, if you are interested it is always better to get to your desired fitness level while training with the team. Rowing uses more major muscle groups than any other sport. It is more important to be mental prepared to train to win than to show up already very fit. Rowing done right is one of the hardest things you will ever do, but also most rewarding. Few things of real value in the world, including rowing, come at no cost.

Q: What is a Coxswain?

A: The Coxswain (pronounced “cox’n”) is the person who directs the boat, either sitting in the stern or reclining in the bow. They act as the on-the-water coach and steer the boat. The UC Rowing Team seeks people around 120 lbs, who are competitive and can think on their feet. The coxswain seat in a boat can be the most important during a race.

Q: I’m visiting UC. Is there someone from the team I can meet with?

A: The Director of Rowing, Keith Young (keithyoung@cincyrowing.org, 407.492.7125) would be more than happy to meet you, or arrange for someone who can.

Q: Can the rowing team get me into UC?

A: We are always looking for dedicated, team-oriented people with a desire to excel. We have contacts within University Admissions and may be able to work with you regarding admissions. Please contact the Director of Rowing, Keith Young, for assistance.

Q: How should I be training if I want to join the team?

A: If you know how to row/erg, those will obviously be the best ways to prepare for joining our team. If not, don’t worry. Running, biking, running stairs, etc. for 45 minutes a day, four times a week will give you a great base to start from. Weightlifting, especially leg work, will also help. If you do know how to erg, keep in mind that stroke rating, or cadence, is very important. We regulate cadence a lot in training, because it is related to peaking. Without a doubt one can often “row faster” by rowing a higher cadence or stroke rating. However, going harder with a higher cadence will lead to you peaking earlier than desired, as well as poor rowing technique. Pulling a faster split at lower spm is desirable, as we are interested in building power. Heart rate also plays a role, but that is more specific to the individual and a coach needs to monitor that. Sample workouts for starters: 1) 2 x 20’ w/2’ rest in-between. Each 20’ piece goes: 5’@12spm + 5’@14spm + 4’@16spm + 3’@18spm + 2’@20spm+ 1’@22spm. Hold a split that feels like it is pushing your comfort level, and no further.2)2 x 20’ w/2’ rest in-between. Each 20’ goes: 10’@14spm + 10’@16spm. Same guidelines as above, but will be a little slower because of the lower cadences. Can also be modified to be 2 x 15’ of 10’@16spm + 5’@18spm.3)40’ straight of (4’@14 + 3’@16 + 2’@18 + 1’@20) x 4. In other words a ten minute cycle four times through. This is a more challenging workout because a higher percentage of time is spent at a higher rating and higher pressure. These are modest distances and times for our training and a good starting point. Keep a training log so you can look back at your progress. Remember the technique sequence: Starting at the catch (front)-drive with the legs-then open the back-then pull in the arms-then push hands full away (arms fully extended) before the body comes over (fully forward) before the legs draw you up on the recovery slide. It is your goal to get through the drive in half as much time as it takes to do the recovery, giving a ratio of 1 part drive to at least 2 parts recovery. Also, if you have access to a Concept II ergometer with a PM3 monitor, make sure it displays the force curve during the workout. The best curves are those that look like a smooth lined haystack slide a bit to the left. If you have specific questions about training, please contact our Director of Rowing, Keith Young (keithyoung@cincyrowing.org, 407.492.7125).