Iona Rowing: Great Athletes Needed!

No rowing experience required.  Open try-outs begin each fall for all full time students enrolled at Iona University.

If interested in the men's team contact Jacob Tivnan (jtivnan@iona.edu) or the women's team contact Kelley Mason (kmason@iona.edu).

Over half of the 2012 and 2016 USA Olympic team learned to row after high school.

Do three or more of these apply to you?

• I work hard
• I am competitive 
• I have been a captain/co-captain
• I want to be a Division 1 athlete
• I am an exceptional teammate

Walk-On Recruiting Questionnaire

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do you weigh less than 130 pounds?  If so, check out our coxswain specific FAQ.

Do I need prior rowing experience? 
No.  You need absolutely no prior rowing experience.

How is that possible?
Rowing requires a great attitude and a good work ethic. We teach you everything else you need to know.

In the fall, you participate in early morning practices with other students who have just started the sport as well.  At the end of the semester, if you are doing well and you like the sport, you are asked to join the varsity team and become a Division I student-athlete for Iona University.

Do I need to know how to swim?
Yes.  Boats rarely flip, but if one does, all rowers and coxswains need to be comfortable in water.

Is men’s rowing an NCAA sport?  I’ve heard rowing at Iona is a club sport.
Men's rowing has its own governing body called the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA).  Iona University rowing is a varsity sport.

I have class during some of the practice times, can I still try out?
Yes!  We understand you came to Iona for its academic opportunities and were not planning on rowing.  If you cannot attend one or more practice session you may commit to another day that you are available.

For the spring semester, team members receive priority scheduling and will be able to choose their class schedule with consideration to practice times.

How do I get to the boathouse?
The boathouse is located at Glen Island Park, just a few miles from campus.  Walk-ons who have their own car (usually commuters) are encouraged to help with the team carpool.  Carpool leaves from in front of Loftus Hall 30 minutes prior to practice. There are also athletic department vans that will shuttle the team.

What type of student is Iona Rowing looking for?
Walk-ons on our team have come from all different backgrounds.  Many are former athletes, some have never played sports before. However, they all share a desire to work hard every day and have a great attitude.  Successful walk-ons display more than one of the following qualities:

• Have a great attitude
• Love to work hard
• Have an athletic background
• Are highly competitive and love to win
• Want to be a Varsity Division 1 athlete at Iona
• Are a great team player
• Can commit to long term goals

What do I need to do for the initial try-out portion?
All you need to do for now is fill out the Walk-On Recruiting Questionnaire and attend the informational meeting.

In order to try out you need to submit some medical paperwork which will be covered in the meeting.

How can I prepare for try-outs?
Work out!  Try-outs will start slowly, but you will want to be in good shape coming in.

• Biking, running, swimming
• Planks (elbow bridges)
• Bodyweight squats
• Yoga

How is the selection process done?
Selection process is done throughout the fall.  Over the three month period, you will learn the sport and see if you like it, and the coaching staff will determine your potential.  Cuts are made if students are unable to complete the workouts or if they are missing the mark on several of the qualities Iona Rowing is looking for in a student.

What about my schoolwork?  Will my grades be affected by the time commitment?
That is actually one of the reasons why we start you off a maximum of three days a week.  This is plenty of time to learn a new skill while also getting adjusted to your new college workload without feeling overwhelmed.  

Rowers at Iona have a higher GPA than the student body.  Many of our team members are well above a 3.0, with some completing perfect 4.0’s while training.  Our athletes have a wide range of majors and several are in the Honors Program. Did you know that Iona’s only Rhodes Scholarship recipient, one of the most prestigious academic awards in the world, was a member of the rowing team?

It is possible to be a great student and a great athlete.  It is hard but is 100% doable.

Why should I try out for rowing?

• Learn something new
• Get into the best shape of your life
• Have the opportunity to compete for national championships
• Form close bonds with teammates who will act as your family and support network through your time at Iona
• Make lifelong friends
• Be around other driven athletes

What are some of the benefits of being a varsity athlete at Iona University?
Our student-athletes put in a lot of hard work and time to represent Iona University.  The athletics department supports that performance through a variety of measures to ensure our athletes are able to train and compete at a high level.  If you are invited to continue with the team in January, being a varsity athlete at Iona includes:

• Adidas team apparel and racing kit
• Exclusive use of on-campus indoor rowing facility
• Varsity strength and conditioning coaches
• Sports medicine training services
• Training gear laundry services
• Complimentary refueling snack and beverage station
• Priority class registration
• Sports psychologist/counselor  

Still not sure?  Come try it anyway!  Worst case, you learn a new sport and make new friends.  Keep in mind though, many rowers on the USA Olympic Team BEGIN their rowing careers in college….it could be you!