MSOE will row as part of the club; using their award-winning facilities, boats, and practice equipment, as well as tapping the expertise of some of its members, who include former National Team and Olympic oarsmen. The club will be a tremendous asset for MSOE as their boathouse is located just three blocks from campus. Winter workouts will be at the recently completed 31- million dollar Kern Athletic Center, in addition to the rowing club's erg room under Schlitz Park.
The rowing team is open to all academically-eligible full-time students at MSOE. They will row both heavy and lightweight crews (under 160 lbs.). Prior rowing experience is not necessary to join the team. While an athletic background is certainly helpful, a majority of incoming athletes have no prior experience. The best rowers come from many athletic backgrounds including; swimming, water polo, bike racing, cross country running, volleyball and basketball. Many current and former Olympians never rowed in high school.
Workouts begin the second week of school and finish in late May. Fall training will require 1.5 hours per week day. There will also be several Saturday practices to prepare for the 5000 meter "Head Races" in October. Winter training becomes more challenging as the crews prepare for the 2000 meter spring racing season. Practice time increases to 2 hours per day and is spent mostly on indoor machines, running, and in the weight room. The team travels off campus on several occasions to practice blade work at indoor rowing tanks located in both Madison and Chicago.
During the second semester break the team will travel south for a week of training in Austin, TX. They will get their first taste of racing by scrimmaging local teams. Spring competitions start in late March and continue on weekends. The schedule begins with several dual races (against one or two opponents) before we get to the larger championships. In mid-May we will attend two large championship regattas called the Dad Vail Championships, and the ECAC National Invitational Rowing Championships. We finish our season against the nation's best programs at the IRA National Championship in late May.
MSOE is committed to identifying and supporting qualified academic candidates to compete in rowing. Students interested in participating in men's rowing may contact Coach Mike Bailey via e-mail or fill out the online questionnaire.
Still have questions about rowing? Here are some frequently asked questions about this sport.
