GENERAL INFORMATION

Collegiate rowing teams across the country rely heavily on inexperienced walk-on "novice" athletes. The Mustang rowing squad is typically composed largely of former high school athletes looking to try a new sport at the collegiate level. For some members of the novice squad, rowing is the first organized sport in which they have participated.

SMU Rowing appeals to hard-working students who aren't afraid to try something new and enjoy working in a team-environment. Tall athletes usually do well in rowing, although dedicated athletes of all sizes have the potential to succeed as SMU Rowers. Coxswains are smaller individuals (around 110 lbs.) who steer the boats and motivate the crews.

Walk-on student athletes spend their first year on the "novice" rowing team, where they learn basic rowing technique and compete against novice teams from other colleges and universities.

The coaching staff will teach you how to row and help you get into the best shape of your life!

SMU Rowing is a fully-funded varsity sport. Expenses associated with competing on the team, including uniforms and travel to regattas, are covered for the student-athletes.

NCAA CLEARINGHOUSE INFORMATION

Southern Methodist University is a NCAA Division I institution and requires all freshmen student-athletes to be certified through the NCAA Clearinghouse in accordance with NCAA rules. In order to be eligible to compete in fall races, student athletes must be "cleared" by the NCAA.

The Clearinghouse process is very simple, but it usually takes time to actually get cleared. We encourage all interested student-athletes to complete the registration process before arriving on-campus for the fall semester. Please note that you are eligible to practice without having been "cleared" by the NCAA, and Clearinghouse registration is not required in order to attend informational meetings or begin practicing with the team. It is possible to register after school begins. However, keep in mind that you cannot compete until you're cleared and actually getting cleared can take a long time, so we suggest completing the registration process as early as possible.

NCAA Clearinghouse:
www.ncaaclearinghouse.net

Step-By-Step Clearinghouse Instructions:
Click here now (.pdf)

MEDICAL INFORMATION

At the informational meetings you will be given medical forms which need to be filled-out and returned before the first day of practice, including the "Release Of Liability For Rowing Try-Outs". Physicals will be administered by the SMU Athletic Department shortly after the team begins practicing.

Although the forms will be handed-out at the informational meeting, links to the required forms can be found below so that they can be completed before you depart from home for the fall semester.

LINKS COMING SOON!

We also require photocopies of the front and back of your health insurance card before you begin practicing with the team.

*Please note that parents/guardians must sign both the "SMU Athletic Department Medical Insurance Information Form" as well as "Medical Consent Form", regardless of the student's age.
**Parents/guardians do not need to sign the "Release of Liability For Rowing Try-Outs" form unless the student is a minor under the age of 18

CONTACT INFORMATION

For more information, please contact:
Doug Wright
Head Coach
dgwright@mail.smu.edu
(214) 768-3673

MEET US AT AARO

The SMU Rowing coaches will be stationed at the SMU ATHLETICS TABLE at the Resource Expo during each of the upcoming AARO sessions. The Resource Expo is on Day 1, 2pm-3pm in the Hughes-Trigg Ballroom. We'd love to talk with you in-person about becoming a Mustang Rower!

RECRUITING QUESTIONNAIRE

Please take a minute to fill-out and submit our on-line recruiting questionnaire so we can learn a little more about you:
Recruiting Questionnaire