Ask most NCAA institutions to host a women's rowing championship and they'll tell you to go jump in a lake. But that's actually the problem with the NCAA's only outdoor water sport -- there aren't enough lakes to jump into.

Women's rowing, which started as a National Collegiate championship in 1997 before dividing into three divisional championships last year, has had but four hosts in seven years. The limited number of hosts is not unlike other championships that have reliable standbys such as the Men's College World Series (Omaha, Nebraska), the Women's College World Series (Oklahoma City) or the Division I Men's and Women's Indoor Track Championships (University of Arkansas, Fayetteville).

However, inherent differences between rowing and other sports make potential hosts row the extra mile. Most sports require facilities that are commonly found across the country, but a three-meter deep, 2,000-meter straight and unobstructed water course with six lanes? Clearly, not as available. Add three separate championships, about 600 student-athletes and a banquet for 700 -- don't forget water current and wind specifications -- and you're in the host's boat.

Rowing championships are conducted primarily on rivers, reservoirs, lakes or other large bodies of water, and since the championship is conducted during late May or early June, often on Memorial Day weekend, conflicts with recreational boating and other activities are unavoidable. Additionally, running a championship is not a cash cow by any stretch, and Memorial Day is considered opening weekend for summer across the country, drawing large crowds and generating income.

Susie Lueck, head rowing coach at Clemson University and a member of the Division I Rowing Committee, said the primary reason it is difficult to find a host site is timing.

"Memorial Day weekend is a tough time to close off major waterways from recreational boaters," Lueck said. "Not many locations have a fully buoyed six-lane race course with appropriate facilities, either."

Other barriers

An added complication for universities considering hosting the championship is graduation. Commencement services on campus usually occur during the championship season, which can create personnel challenges.

Another factor involved is sponsorship. A total of 140 Divisions I, II and III institutions sponsor rowing, compared to the nearly 1,600 men's and women's soccer programs, for example. That has a direct relationship with the limited number of hosts.

The championship's four sites so far have been Rancho Cordova, California; Gainesville, Georgia; Camden, New Jersey; and Indianapolis. The rowing committee has received one bid for 2004 and one for 2005. In the past, one or two bids per year were submitted. Bids still are being accepted for the 2004 and 2005 championship. Detailed site requirements, course specifications and other information can be obtained through the NCAA national office by contacting championships administrators Tina Krah or Jacqueline McWilliams.

Based on personal experience or anecdotal evidence, committee members have compiled a short list for potential future championship sites, including locations in South Carolina, Washington, Massachusetts, Florida and Ohio. As with all NCAA championships, however, an NCAA member conference or institution must be able to co-host. That poses some challenges in rowing.

Traditionally, rowing programs practice and compete at a local rowing club, aquatic center or recreational/parks facility rather than on campus. So, some "home" courses are an hour from campus. In order for an institution or conference to host, they must team with a local rowing facility, creating a situation where hosting is a joint effort. The off-campus site complicates another important component of hosting, which is maintaining a campus atmosphere.

Participation incentive

The committee has discussed possible solutions for the hosting problem, including a two-year bid cycle, which would encourage hosts to bid for two consecutive years. Having a site established two years in advance would be more comfortable from an administrative standpoint and provide clear marketing and promotional advantages for the hosts. Host also could correct any imperfections during the second year of the event. Attendance also could increase during the second year as rowing fans and the general community became aware of the championship location.

Indiana University, Bloomington, and the USRowing Association hosted the championship in 2002 and currently are preparing for the 2003 championship, which will be held at Eagle Creek Reservoir in Indianapolis May 30 through June 1. USRowing Director of Events Jody Pope said a two-year bid cycle is a nice advantage.

"Having the championship for the second year in a row allows us to go back from last year and review where the tents came from, who the bleachers came from, and so on," Pope said. "We know what works and what doesn't. This year we can focus on making improvements."

Emily Plesser, head women's rowing coach at the University of California, Davis, and a member of the Division II committee, thinks one incentive for finding more hosts would be to allocate one at-large Eights bid to the host institution.

"Hosting a championship requires a huge amount of work," Plesser said. "The host institution and the head coach do a lot of work and if their team is not competing in the championship to reap the rewards from their labor, it can be a lose-lose situation."

Such an idea, which is not a common practice for NCAA championship hosts, would have to be approved by the division championship committees and cabinets.

While there are obstacles to overcome in hosting a rowing championship, there are many advantages, too, including exposure for the sport and an opportunity for the host institution or conference to gain a recruiting edge.

From the USRowing perspective, Pope said hosting the championship is a great marketing feature for the governing body, as well as a great opportunity to give back to the rowing community.

Ultimately, though, in order for rowing to continue its recent growth in popularity and addition of programs, someone needs to step up and take the hosting plunge. Literally.