OAK RIDGE- Atomic Rowing, Oak Ridge Rowing Association's youth rowing program, will be holding spring try-outs for youth (13-18) in the Knoxville and Oak Ridge area, no prior rowing experience or equipment is required. Try-outs consist of a free one-day learn-to-row clinic, followed by a no obligation two-week trail period.

Tryouts will be February 13th from 9:00 AM till 3:00 PM at Oak Ridge's nationally ranked rowing venue, 697 Melton Lake Dr. in Oak Ridge. Saturday's classes will be given on boat handling, rowing skill, ergometer technique, and basic conditioning. Coaches will be looking for character, team first attitude, athletic potential, and coach-ability.

"We hold try-outs knowing that most young people in the area don't know how to row," stated Atomic Rowing head coach Allen Eubanks. "We like to look for athletes who are confident with a positive "I can do it", "I will try it" attitude, who want to compete and are willing to make the necessary sacrifices to win. Once we find them, we can teach them how to row."

An information meeting will be held at 1:00 PM for those interested in participation in Atomic Rowing's Spring season, in the ORRA Boathouse. This informational meeting will be for new and returning athletes. The Atomic Indoor Sprints will follow this at 3:00 PM between East Tennessee Rowing of Maryville and Atomic Rowing.

Atomic Rowing is the oldest youth rowing program in the state of Tennessee. Atomic Rowing is a co-ed traveling youth rowing team, not affiliated with any school system. Atomic Rowing represents East Tennessee regionally and nationally with a great tradition of excellence in the rowing community, qualifying for eleven appearances to the USRowing Youth National Championship since its creation 1996. Winning the 2002 Southeast Region women's youth eight title, 2005 Southeast Region men's youth eight title, 2008 National Scholastic men's junior double scull title as well as the 2009 Southeast Region youth men's quad scull title. Nine athletes from Atomic Rowing's 2009 roster received invitations to attend either National or Regional Development Camps.

"For male student athletes rowing is a real college resume builder due to rowing being the ultimate team sport and there are no super stars in rowing, it takes everyone on the team to make a crew successful." remarked coach Eubanks, " The scholarship opportunities for female athletes in collegiate rowing are a lot greater than other sports like; basketball, soccer, volleyball, softball and swimming. Women's rowing teams are large, and some offers up to 20 athletic scholarships, the most of any NCAA sanctioned women's sport. If the student athlete is good enough, then a full ride scholarship is always a chance."

Be part of the excitement that is Atomic Rowing. Registration for the Spring Season opened February 1 and the deadline is March 1st. Again athletes interested in the Atomic Rowing program can try it out for two weeks at no obligation for the season. For more information on Atomic Rowing please visit www.atomicrowing.com or call 865-482-6538
Atomic Rowing's novice women on the move.