George Washington University Athletics
Women's Rowing Tryouts Meeting Aug. 31
8/4/2005 12:00:00 AM | Rowing
Aug. 4, 2005
WASHINGTON, DC - The George Washington University women's rowing team will hold an informational meeting for 2005 tryouts on Wednesday, August 31st at 7 p.m. in the Charles E. Smith Athletic Center. Look for signs at the main entrance. The meeting is open to all students, no experience necessary. For more information please contact assistant rowing coach Sarah Dondero at 202-994-8603 or email at dondero@gwu.edu.
Things to know about GW rowing...
Can I join the rowing team if I have never rowed before?
While you do need to be athletic and fit, you do not need to have any prior rowing experience. We will teach you everything you need to know to be a competitive collegiate rower. If you have been thinking about playing sports in college, this could be the opportunity for you!
What is rowing like at GW?
The Women's Rowing team is a competitive varsity sport at GW and in the Atlantic 10 Conference. There is a staff of three coaches for a team of about 45 student-athletes. The team trains for about 18 hours per week. During the fall, you will learn to row, lift weights and train on land (mainly running and body circuits). You will race at the end of the fall semester against other first-time collegiate rowers from all over the East Coast. The main racing season is from March to May. During this time, the team travels around the country and competes against schools from the Atlantic 10 Conference such as UMass, Rhode Island as well as schools like Boston University, Cornell and Princeton.
What is the difference between a rower and a coxswain?
A coxswain (pronounced "cox-in") is the team leader and strategist. She must weigh less than 120 lbs, be competitive, quick thinking and have fully developed leadership skills. The coxswain is the brain behind the brawn.
Rowers are generally tall (there are always exceptions) and most will have previous athletic experience (although not necessarily in rowing.) Athletes who have excelled in soccer, swimming, basketball or track usually enjoy and do well in the sport of rowing.
What kind of athletes are we looking for?
The GW Rowing team is seeking women who are interested in doing something new, fun and challenging. We are in search of enthusiastic team players who are excited to compete at the collegiate championship level.
What is the practice schedule?
There will be several practice times to choose from, depending on your class schedule. While you learn to row, it will be mostly in the afternoons, somewhere between 4 and 7 pm, based on your classes. If your afternoons are full, you will practice in the morning from 6:30-8:30 am.
What do I do next if I know I want to join the team?
Our first information meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 31st at 7 p.m. in the Charles E. Smith Athletic Center. Look for signs at the main entrance. This meeting is mandatory for anyone interested in rowing. Until then, have an active and enjoyable summer. Running, basketball, swimming, cycling, aerobics and weightlifting are all activities that can help get you in shape for the coming year!
This is your chance to become involved in a new sport where your potential is infinite and the only limits for success are the ones that you set for yourself. All of the coaches look forward to seeing you at the first meeting!
