Good On Paper
From the launch, lessons on standing out and finishing strong.
Q: I am a parent of a rising high school rower. What does she need to do to get the attention of college coaches?
The best way to get a coach’s attention is to row well and strongly. Then she needs to be sure that the coach notices this. If she is putting up impressive erg scores, send them to the coaches of the colleges she wishes to attend. She should also race the C.R.A.S.H.-B.’s in Boston if at all possible. If she can’t get there, a local erg contest might provide her with an accomplishment that she can use to help make her case. If there are college coaches at the indoor rowing competition, she should introduce herself and explain why she is interested in their institutions. Whether she has strong scores or not, she should still reach out to the coaches at her target schools. That letter or email should include her rowing history—her seat in the boat, her tenure in the sport, how much she enjoys rowing, and her strengths as a student. These can be SAT scores, grades, and any academic honors or interests that an admissions officer might find appealing. Her admission to college is mainly based on her academic qualifications; rowing is just another hook to make her more attractive as a candidate. After visiting the college, she should stay in contact with the coaches and let them know of her progress on the water and in the classroom and of her continued interest in their program. This is all helpful information to pass along. She just should be careful not to overdo it.
Q: One of my rowers can’t finish an erg test no matter how well his preparation has gone beforehand. How do I get him to overcome this block?
I must confess to coming up with a poor solution to get one of my rowers out of a similar funk. A technically adept and strong rower, he came to me and said, “I’ve been trying to row a 6k piece for the national team, but I can’t finish it.” I agreed to join him in the erg room and cox him through the test. He started at a strong pace, one that I knew he could keep up for 6,000 meters and that would also be good enough to qualify him for the team. Then, with less than 1k to go, he stopped. “I can’t do it!” he said. He rested for some time and was ready to go again. Again a choke. “I can’t do it!” At this point I lost it and started yelling, “Yes you can! Get going! Get Going!” Despite the booming music in the weight room, everyone turned around and stared at me. He not only finished the piece, he completed it in a time that got him into the national team camp. That being said, I do not recommend this approach. I felt like an ogre for more years than I want to remember even though the athlete was successful and went on to row in the junior worlds. A much better way to bring your rower out of a choke would be to row with him on a slider. You set the pace—one you know he can hold for the duration. The pace might be lower than what you know he can do, but it won’t be so challenging that he might consider stopping. Then ask if he wants to record his score or take the test another time. My guess is that he will not be satisfied with the piece. If he chooses the latter, stand alongside him and offer encouragement. Just whatever you do, don’t scream.
Rich Davis coached at New Hampshire's St. Paul's School for 35 years. In 2000 he received the United States Olympic Committee's Rings of Gold Award in recognition of the eight Olympians and 30 national team rowers who began rowing in his program. Send your questions to
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