Preparing rowers for the United States National and Olympic Teams.
Supported by George Pocock Rowing Foundation and Pocock Rowing Center.
PRC HP Team Mission: Prepare rowers for the United States National and Olympic Teams by providing high quality technical sculling instruction; rigorous, scientifically- based physiological training; and holistic support for developing, pre-elite, and elite athletes.
Who can join the program?
The program supports between 15 and 20 athletes each year and strives to have a mix of elite, pre-elite, and development athletes, a mix of men and women, and a mix of openweight and lightweight athletes. Coaches specifically look for athletes who have the capacity and dedication to make the US National team.
Requirements for pre-elite and development athletes vary, but most participants entering the program already have some sculling experience, have erg scores meeting US Rowing’s development athlete time standards, and have significant collegiate (or equivalent) rowing experience. Priority will also be given to athletes committed to training for the next quadrenium.
What does it cost
Athletes are required to pay $75 a month; this is a contribution toward the cost of coaching, rack space, use of boathouse facilities, and other support services provided by the program. At the discretion of the coach and the Pocock Rowing Foundation, some athletes may be exempted from this fee or asked to pay a reduced fee. The Foundation also offers athletes bonuses for outstanding performance; these bonuses are also given at the discretion of the coaches and the Foundation.
When do athletes start training?
The rowing year begins in early fall with the return of athletes from the Olympics and World Championships. All athletes are expected to be at Pocock by the end of September, at the latest. Athletes new to the program are expected to arrive at their earliest convenience. Most team members journey to the East Coast for National Team selection in late April or early May. Development athletes often stay in Seattle for the summer.
During the summer, when many of the athletes leave for the East coast, the program may invite new development athletes to join the program at a reduced rate of $50 a month. At the end of the summer (after the World Championships or Olympics), these development athletes may or may not be invited to stay on with the program. These decisions will be at the coaches’ discretion and based on both athlete performance and the number of returning athletes.
What is the daily schedule?
Morning practices usually occur between 5:30-9:00, and this is the time when most of the on the water coaching takes place. Athletes should plan on attending at this time and adjust work schedules accordingly. During some parts of the year, the training schedule will call for a second morning practice, and athletes would be encouraged to attend unless work commitments prohibited participation. The afternoon practices are somewhat more flexible with groups of athletes lifting, erging, or rowing together as schedules permit. [Seattle Rowing Pictures]
How can I get more information and/or apply?
Please email Julie McCleery