Dear Coaches,
Please find attached the lists of accepted and unaccepted entries for the 2003 IRA National Collegiate Championships. After significant discussion and debate we have expanded the Second Varsity Eight field to a maximum of 24 crews (up from 18 in 2002) and kept the field for the Open Four Event at a maximum of 24 crews (as we did in 2002). These adjustments are for the 2003 regatta only. Further discussions on this topic will take place at the Friday afternoon coaches roundtable being organized by Dave Reischman, with the hopes that a more formal policy regarding event limits can be forwarded on to the IRA Stewards for consideration.
The four unaccepted crews in the Varsity Heavyweight Eight and Varsity Lightweight Eight events have been offered the opportunity to row in the 2nd Varsity event. Coaches for those crews (MIT and Purdue lightweights, California-Davis and Minnesota Heavyweights) should notify ECAC Director of Rowing Gary Caldwell of their intentions to accept or reject the invitation to participate in the 2nd Varsity event by 5:00 PM on Friday, May 23. You may reach him via email at [email protected] or by telephone at 857-257-3728.
A list of unaccepted entries for other events is attached to this email. Coaches who would like their crews "wait listed" should contact Gary Caldwell at the email address specified above for consideration should any scratches occur. Crews will be taken from the "wait list" if scratches occur, up until the draw for heats and lanes at 11:30 AM Tuesday, May 27th.
The race schedule will be affected by the increase in entries in the 2nd Varsity Event. I have attached a copy of the most up to date schedule to this email. The "Final" Race Schedule will be posted and made available to coaches following the heat and lane draw next Tuesday.
Good luck to all your crews. We'll see you in Cherry Hill next week.
Gary Caldwell Director of Rowing Eastern College Athletic Conference