Crimson Oarsmen Face Grind With Big Red on Lake Cayuga

For the first time this year, the Varsity boat will probably have on its hands the toughest race in a regatta when it faces the Big Red and Syracuse on the Cayuga Inlet at Ithaca tomorrow. The Jayvees on the other hand should have a comparatively easy job.

The Cornell oarsmen who take the water against the Crimson have turned in an impressive record this year, featuring spectacular wins over a consistently ill-starred Syracuse boat and a strong Navy crew. While the Harvard eight has won against the same opponents and by an impressive margin against Syracuse, there is no allowance for over-confidence on the part of the Crimson sweep swingers.

Syracuse a Threat?

The crew from Syracuse is still a question mark in pre-race speculation. Some have claimed poor steering was responsible for the Orange loss to Cornell over a one mile course. A man being lifted bodily out of the boat spoiled what promised to be a good race at Derby two weeks ago when the Orange faced Yale. It is true that the Crimson defeated the Syracuse boat by a decisive length and a half when it raced on the Charles, but the margin will not necessarily be the same after four weeks.

One thing is absolutely certain and that is that the Syracuse crew will be out for blood as far as Cornell is concerned, and there is every reason to believe that the Orangemen will stay well up in the race. In fact a finish with all three beats within the length of a shell is quite possible.

Cornell Race Like Navy's

Last week against the Elis, the Cornell crew rowed the same type of race as the Navy crew did on the Charles. Under-stroking Yale consistently, the Big Red showed a strong middle race with good spacing and power, passing the Elis for about a half length at mid-race. However, the men from Ithaca were weak at the start and were outdone by a withering forty sprint from the Blue at the finish. There is reason to believe that the Crimson is capable of duplicating the Yale strong start and finish race.

A highly improved Junior Varsity crew will face a tough contingent from Syracuse, while the Cornell boat doesn't present too much opposition. With the exception of a slump last Saturday, the Jayvees have consistently bettered their times, and recently have been pressing the Varsity in trials. There is every reason to believe that the second eight will stretch out a length lead at least over the Orange Jayvees, with the Big Red a close third.