He's coached at a variety of collegiate programs, from Division-III schools like Mt. Holyoke to Division-I Kansas State and now Tulsa, where scholarships are the norm.

At every level, Harris says, the recruiting process presents rowers with the same set of challenges, and the same answer: Whether you're a newly minted junior world medalist or a Division-III prospect, Harris says it all comes down to what you want in a college and a rowing program.

"You've got to do your homework. Otherwise it's like jumping off a diving board in the dark." Here's more of Coach Harris's advice for rowers choosing a college.

Know your priorities: Athletes need to understand that they're going to school for an education first, and rowing second.

If you choose a school solely because of its rowing team or because it offered the best scholarship, you run the risk of being unhappy until you figure out why you are there. By then it might be too late. You won't help yourself or the team you've committed yourself to.

Educate yourself: Most high school students who call me haven't done their homework. I have a limited number of scholarships; I don't want to give one to an athlete who hasn't thought about what kind of campus size, educational opportunities, and school environment they are interested in.

Decide what you want from your college experience. Then learn everything you can about your potential schools and their rowing teams before you pick up the phone.

Sell yourself: Coaches have a limited amount of time to get to know hundreds of potential recruits each year. I look at upwards of 250 students during the fall season. So you need to create a relationship with the coach.

You have to give them a reason to want to have you on their squad. Have your facts in order, communicate your interest clearly, and respond in a timely fashion. Don't be afraid or lazy-this is your life for the next four years.

Humble tells me that you're here to grow. You're here to contribute to a bigger picture, and willing to take your lumps and keep trying.

Hungry tells me you love rowing. You're excited about the sport and the challenges of being a student-athlete.

And by here, I mean do you really want to be at this school and on this team? Not only for the first semester when everything is fun and fresh, but for four full years? The question to ask yourself is this:
If you are injured and can't row, do you still want to be at this college or university?

Understand the scholarship process: Contrary to popular belief, in the age of Title IX, scholarships do not flow like water. I don't want to sound discouraging. The scholarships are out there, and you don't necessarily have to be a super star to get one. The best way to get a scholarship is to choose a school that fits, and then ask the coach about scholarship opportunities. You may be pleasantly surprised, but don't expect a free ride for the next four years.

A scholarship can mean anything from a few hundred dollars for books to a full ride, and nothing is guaranteed. The bottom line is that it's about performance, and to keep your scholarship you will have to improve as a rower and maintain your academic standing.

It's in your hands: It's not really up to the coaches. It's up to you. You need to have a solid idea of what you are looking for, you need to be honest with yourself about what you are willing to give, and then be realistic about your expectations. Then pursue things with a purpose. Going to college is scary. It's about pushing your comfort level. You are going to college to grow. Don't go to there to do what you have already done.