Completed Event: Rowing versus Head of the Oklahoma on October 4, 2025
Final
Rowing
vs Head of the Oklahoma
University of Oklahoma Athletics
Novice Meeting set for Aug. 29 at 6 p.m.
August 18, 2011 | Rowing
Aug. 18, 2011
Novice/Walk-On Information
| Recruiting Information | ||
|
||
| Rowing Terms | ||
|
||
The University of Oklahoma rowing team will hold an informational meeting for potential walk-ons Aug. 29, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. in the Kerr-McGee Club Lounge located within the football stadium.
The opportunity to try-out for the Sooner's Rowing team is open to all students. No prior experience is required. Students will be evaluated on overall athletic ability and a positive attitude. Individuals who show the most potential as a rower will be the highly considered for the team.
"Joining OU Rowing is a unique experience especially for students living in the mid-west because it's not very common to have the opportunity to try it in high school," assistant coach Emma Gresson said. "To join the team no experience is needed. We teach you everything you need to know."
This season Oklahoma will host the Big 12 Championship regatta on the Oklahoma River in Oklahoma City. Other featured regattas are in Austin, Texas, San Diego, Chattanooga, Tenn and Boston.
Below are answers to frequently asked questions for potential OU rowing student-athletes. View more information about the sport here.
Do I need experience to try-out for the team?
No. We have a "novice" team designed for those with no prior experience. You will spend a year with this team learning the sport with many others who are also new to rowing. We also have a "varsity" team for those who have rowed in high school or who have finished their novice year.
What do I need to do to try-out?
There will be an informational meeting the first week of school in the fall. At the meeting, we will hand out some paperwork, talk about the team, introduce the coaching staff and some current rowers and further explain the try-out process. If you cannot attend the meeting, please email Coach Gresson.
If I don't know how to row, how will you decide who makes the team at tryouts?
Tryouts will last seven days beginning Tuesday, Sept. 6, and running through Saturday, Sept. 10. You will spend time learning how to row in a boat as well as on our rowing machines (ergs). We will also do different activities to determine your athletic ability. We are looking for overall athletic ability and a positive attitude. Most of all we are looking for individuals who show the most potential as a rower and team player.
Are there different positions on the team?
Yes. There are port and starboard positions for the rowers. Port side rowers use an oar that is attached to the left side of the boat and starboards use one attached to the right side. There is also the position of "coxswain". The coxswain sits in the stern (and sometimes bow) of the boat, and is responsible for steering, calling commands, assisting with technique, and providing motivation for the rowers during racing and practices. If you are less than 120 lbs., you may want to consider becoming a coxswain.
How big is the team?
We will carry between 55-65 athletes on our roster.
What are practices like and how often are they?
After the initial try-out period, practices will start out 5 days a week, about 1½ to 2 hours a day. Once we get closer to our first fall race, we will begin practices 6 days a week and continue with that schedule for the rest of the year. Practices vary slightly depending on the time of year, but they usually entail rowing on the water, rowing on the rowing machines (ergometers), running, lifting, and flexibility/body core exercises. During the fall semester, we will come up with a practice schedule that will accommodate your class schedule.
Where does the team practice?
Water practices will take place at the Exchange Boathouse along the Oklahoma River until the new OU Boathouse is constructed. Land practices will take place on campus in the intercollegiate athletic facilities.
How long is the rowing season?
There are actually two seasons. We begin training for the fall season in September and race in October and November. The fall races are longer, usually about 3 miles in length. When we return from the winter break in January, we begin training for our championship season, which runs March through May. The majority of racing is 2000 meters or about 1 ¼ miles.
Does the novice team get to travel too?
Yes. The novice and varsity squads travel together to most competitions around the country. We typically travel with 4 to 5 boats of athletes, as there are different events and boat classifications.
How much will it cost?
As an intercollegiate student-athlete at OU, almost all of your costs associated with rowing will be covered. You will only be required to pay for nominal fees associated with athletics physicals and registration with the NCAA. We will cover the costs of uniforms, travel, and other expenses related to being a student-athlete.
Sunday, May 10
Sunday, May 14
Sunday, May 15
Saturday, May 15
