ALTERNATE CAPTAINS

Among the many interesting details in the conduct of our athletic teams, which are not evident to the average undergraduate, is the recent change in the method of selecting captains for the Freshman crews. In former years a temporary captain was appointed at the beginning of the season and the same man almost invariably was elected to permanent captaincy. Under the present system a new captain is appointed each week, thereby giving each oars-man an opportunity to demonstrate and develop his ability as a leader.

Not only does the new plan benefit every member of the boat but it also gives each crew a better opportunity to find the man who best fulfills the requirements for successful leadership. This is decided advantage in the case of Freshman teams, which are composed of men who hall from various preparatory schools and consequently are not thoroughly acquainted with one another. A premium is now placed on ability to lead and a discount on mere popularity, while at the same time no harm is done to the man who is both popular and able. Other Freshman teams would do well to copy the crew in this regard.