Big H

The 150-pound crew, having rowed to the greater glory of Harvard for thirty-five years, has requested that its status be changed to that of a major sport. If time and energy spent were the only criteria, there would be no question that it deserves a major sport status.

The Undergraduate Athletic Council has, however, a long list of conditions which a sport must satisfy before consideration is given to such a promotion. Among these is the stipulation that there be sufficient spectator interest, the only area in which the lightweight crew has a weak case.

It would be unfortunate to insist too strongly on a sport's appeal when considering a request for a major "H". If the Department of Athletics is willing to spend a great deal of money on crew and a large number of students gladly devote nine months to it, the administration should contribute what it can in the realm of official recognition and support.

The distinction between major sports and minor sports at Harvard should be minimized as much as possible.

The lightweight crew is in no way a junior varsity and its members deserve a major letter.