The sport of rowing will take another step toward becoming more spectator-friendly with the installation of multi-lane ribbons at the finish line of several regatta courses. While electronic and human monitoring of the finish line will still decide official race outcomes, rowing fans will be finally treated to the same great visuals that have made track and field the spectator juggernaut that it has become.
To enhance the effect, instead of bow markers, each boat will be outfitted with a lifesize cardboard person painted in the uniform of the team attached to the bow. If teams prefer, they can have the figure represent their mascot.
The Silliman College club team proposed the measure. "Dude, our mascot is a salamander," said club captain Tony Marcus. "Who would not want to race with a six-foot salamander on the bow? Well? Thought so. It's a done deal."
Stanford University coaches concur. Stanford's mascot is The Tree.
"We have guys that look like trees in our crew," said Craig Amerkhanian. "To have The Tree on the bow just makes a lot of sense to me."
Georgia Rowing Club president Jim Roberts, a former hockey player, has already proposed that the club rename itself in honor of the defunct CHL hockey team the Macon Whoopees, which was based in nearby Macon. "Now that would be a bow marker," Roberts said.