'Cliffe Crew To Compete in Nationals

There may be brighter days ahead for Radcliffe's crew. The oarswomen over the past three years have put up with abominable scheduling for practices, understaffing, underfunding and virtually every other sort of administrative hassle imaginable. In spite of it all, they have put together excellent seasons.

Radcliffe could not compete in the Women's Nationals last year because of lack of money. But they did beat the national champion Philadelphia Girls Rowing Club in regular season competition.

In addition to regular work, the crew has tried this year to raise $25,000, a goal set by Coach John C. Baker '71. They will use this money to pay for the new shells which have been ordered and for transportation to the races.

The squad was up at 6 a.m. every morning this winter to address letters seeking financial support from Radcliffe alumnae. Their efforts have been successful: the crew has raised two-fifths of their $25,000 goal.

The winning crew from the Women's Nationals--which Radcliffe will enter--will go to Moscow for the European championship. The U.S. Olympic Committee has promised to pay for the transportation.

Baker began workouts last fall. Over 85 women turned out initially and the team has leveled off at about 21 now.

Freshmen make up ten out of 21 members of this year's team. Baker said yesterday that "the varsity boat could be an almost all freshman boat." The coxswain will definitely be a freshman, he added.

The green Radcliffe crew competed in the Head of the Charles regatta, but the more experienced Vesper and Wisconsin teams defeated them.

Baker said yesterday that the winter work has prepared the team so they will be able to compete this spring. They used the indoor tanks, did ergometer pieces and ran stadiums.

Radcliffe has a seven race schedule, starting on April 7 against Syracuse. The most important race of the season will be the Women's Nationals in June.

The team elected Charlotte Crane '73 captain on March 9. The crew usually elects a captain after the last race of the season, but Baker broke the tradition this year and held the election just before the team got out on the water for the spring. Crane was co-captain last year.

Volunteer

Coach Baker worked this year as a volunteer. Because the job requires so much time and energy, Baker said yesterday that he might not be able to coach next year if the post remains unsalaried.

Baker said yesterday that the team has progressed well during the year and he expects them to be a contender for the national championship.