Forecast Calls for Pain
Saturday winds are predicted to be SSW, a crosswind for most of the race, but a direct head for the last half-mile or so.
Sunday, well, Ouch, Oof, Pow - yeah, it's a headwind right down the course, especially the powerhouse stretch. Bring yer clams...
Some Cambridge Averages and Records
October 19:
October 20:
Good News: Yasaitis "Doing OK"
Thursday afternoon update on John Yasaitis, 55, the single sculler who sustained serious injuries in a collision on the Charles on Wednesday, from Tom Russell:
"The latest news is that John is doing ok (no signs of major damage to internal organs). The main threat is of infection -- they'll keep him in for a while to watch his progress. He is at Massachusetts General Hospital. People wishing to send him cards/flowers/well-wishes should call the hospital at 617-726-2000."
The Millar Mob
Dear Dave: I have been reading your Head of the Charles Regatta coverage page regarding "it's a family affair" and would like to make a contribution to this area:
The Millar family of Ocean City, New Jersey has six boys. The six boys have been involved in rowing for since 1972. They have accumulated many national titles and medals at the high school, college and international level.
At least one Millar brother has rowed in the Head of the Charles Regatta since 1976. The largest contributor to this consistency is brother Jim. The most notable years for family matters were 1983, 1984, and 1985 when 5 of the brothers rowed together in the club 4 entry. (Ed. note: see vintage scan above.) The boat was all Millar brothers bow to coxwain. In 1984 brother Jim also rowed in the club 8 division, therefore all six brothers rowed the same year in the Head of the Charles. The Millar brothers have accumulated 4 medals between them in the Head of the Charles. Again, brother Jim being the big contributor. Jim has 2 of the 4 medals.
This year marks the first time that the next generation is represented in the Head of the Charles. Brother Bill's daughter Elizabeth will be rowing as a freshman for Boston College. Also, this year brother Bill will be rowing for Brigantine Rowing Club in the masters eight race and competing against brother Jim who will be rowing for Bulldog Rowing Club in the same division.
This goes to show that rowing is truly a "Family Affair" and a sport for life.
Bill Millar
Thumbs Down on Seven Out
The majority of crews from the Ivy League will be wearing shirts in their team colors bearing a crossed-out number 7 in protest of the so-called "seven-week" rule, conjured by the Ivy presidents this past summer (apparently inside an airless box set out in the sun in the heat of summer.) See Athletes Protest Break In Practice for more.
Note that, as I understand it, rowing has been exempted from observing the full seven week prohibition (more proof that rowing isn't football); I don't have the final numerical verdict, however. The rule is flat out discriminatory, has uneven and unfair impact across universities and sports (runners, for example, are is not impacted at all, as they have two seasons, cross-country and track), and is a classic example of unwarranted and unwanted social engineering (not to mention the increasing assumption of absolute power by university presidents). No one's telling musicians in the band they can't play every day, or student government that they can't govern for a few weeks/year, or school paper editors they can't proofread for 49 days, or frat leaders they can't frat-lead, or anyone pretty much anywhere else that they can't use the facilities of the university (for which they're paying a load of dough, btw) while school is in session. You'd think that our universities would take the position that anyone who wishes to achieve excellence in a chosen pursuit should be allowed and encouraged to do so. I don't remember the last person I know who got good at anything by sitting on their arse for seven weeks; all this and more. Let's hope it takes the fall on December 10.
Classic Ivory tower braintrust brainlock, if you ask me... All opinions solely those of row2k, no other etc. etc.; well, no, actually; these are my own opinions.
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