Should I try to go lightweight for college?

[Atinix]

Hi everyone,
As of this post I am a sophomore in high school, 175 pounds and 6-2. My goals for rowing are to go to either Princeton or Penn. My academics are good enough to get me in but I'm not to sure about my erg scores. I know I can drop 15 pounds but is it healthy?

Thanks in advance,
Nick

[DuffyF56]

As a former wrestler I have my doubts that it is realistic to loss 15 Lbs and be able to keep it off for an extended period of time when you are likely a growing young man. I would recommend you try to improve your erg scores the old fashion way by training the best you can and allow your body to respond as it does. I was 5' 11" in HS and played football at 192 Lbs and dropped weight to 167 Lbs for wrestling. I was by no means a fat body then during football and I know how difficult it was to drop and then maintain weight during wrestling season. I am sure my strength suffered overall though not to a deficit of wrestlers that were not naturally bigger.

[ArmandoChavezUNC]

What is your current 2k/6k score? How much rowing experience do you have?

[jag]

Not unless you want to be miserable for four years. You're tall enough and weigh enough to be a heavyweight, especially after you put on some more muscle.