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WVU Holds Open Tryouts
August 17, 2015 04:03 PM | Rowing
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – West Virginia University female students are invited to attend the WVU rowing team’s informational meeting held on Wednesday, Aug. 19, and Thursday, Aug. 20, at 6:30 p.m., in the Greenbrier Room of the Mountainlair.
The meeting is hosted by the WVU rowing coaching staff to discuss the walk-on experience that the WVU rowing squad has to offer.
Rowing tryouts are open to all full-time female students enrolled at West Virginia. No prior experience is required, as the WVU squad looks to add athletic women from any sports background to its roster for the 2015-16 season. The tryouts begin on Monday, Aug. 24, and conclude on Friday, Sept. 4.
“Trying out for our team offers a unique experience to women on campus unlike any other organization,” said novice coach Amanda Merritt. “You can be a part of a team in a sport that you may have never heard of at the Division I level. There is absolutely no experience necessary.
“We teach them the sport, and we prepare them to compete. Being a part of the team has some obvious benefits, such as allowing women to learn a new sport, meet new people from different areas in the state, the country and the world, as well as earning the title of being a West Virginia student-athlete.”
During tryouts, proper technique will be taught on the ergometers (rowing machines). The team will also run a variety of circuits and activities to determine athletic ability.
The WVU rowing coaching staff is looking for females with athletic ability, a competitive spirit and a willingness to try something new. The ideal rower is usually 5-foot-8 or taller, and will have the chance to compete for WVU athletics right away during the fall and spring season.
“Walk-ons are an essential part of our team and for teams across the country,” Merritt said. “If anyone is ever questioning whether they should try out or are even a little curious, my advice would be just to come and give it a shot. You just never know until you try.”
Senior WVU rower Susannah Hartlove walked on the team as a freshman in 2013. A native of Ephrata, Pennsylvania, Hartlove was looking to continue her athletic career in some capacity when she arrived at West Virginia University.
“I have always been involved in sports, and I thought rowing was a good opportunity for me to continue my athletic career,” Hartlove stated. “It was exciting to learn a new sport, and rowing has taught me how to push myself to a whole new level. It’s an honor to be a Mountaineer and to be able to represent the entire state of West Virginia.”
Sophomore WVU rower Lorena Rose also tried out for the team as a freshman last year. A native of Marlinton, West Virginia, Rose’s favorite part of the rowing team is the overall unity.
“Rowing is the ultimate team sport. You can’t do one thing without the other,” Rose noted. “The sport made me more responsible, and has shown me what I can do. I never thought I would be able to do the physical feats I have accomplished, and it makes me and everyone in my hometown proud of me.”
In order to tryout, WVU students must present the following documents: proof of medical insurance, completed physical (within the last six months), proof of registration as a WVU student (printed out class schedule) and a completed compliance form.
For more information on becoming a Division I athlete at West Virginia, prospective rowers can contact coach Merritt at Amanda.Merritt@mail.wvu.edu.
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