Letter to the Sports Editor

To the Sports Editor of The Crimson:

I am certain you will agree that some semblance of accuracy is required for good reportage. An accurate, well-written article is important not only to the general readership but also to the athletes involved. It is with this object in mind that I must criticize your coverage to date of the Harvard lightweight crew.

A week ago, I was miffed at the implication in your preview article that the current sophomores were mediocre as freshmen last year. On the contrary, they were an excellent crew who lost to only one crew during the season--a uniquely talented Princeton boat. Six of the nine rowed last fall; two have taken a year leave of absence from Harvard. It is quite possible that seven of the nine will be rowing next year.

Based upon today's article [April 16] on the first lightweight race of the season, it is my distinct impression that the reporter assigned to the lightweight crew beat this spring knows little about rowing and doesn't bother to attend the races about which he writes. Evidence abounds:

* he neglected to mention that Coast Guard as well as Columbia was Harvard's opponent in all three races;

* he inaccurately stated that the varsity margin over Columbia exceeded Princeton's margin last week--it actually was slightly smaller;

* he inaccurately reported the results of the J.V. race--Harvard defeated Coast Guard by 25.5 seconds, not 16 seconds;

* he inaccurately reported the results of the freshman race--Harvard defeated Columbia by eight lengths (not four) with a 6:44 time (not 6:31);

* he inaccurately stated that Harvard faces Princeton in two weeks at Lake Carnegie (N.J.)--the race is at Derby, Conn. with Yale and Princeton; and

* he relied heavily on oarsmen's comments on the race to the exclusion of comment by coach John Higginson--whose insights may well have added to the article.

The article was quite correct, however, in describing the races as decisive victories for Harvard. Harvard has no intention of giving up its five-year dominance of the East.

In summary, my suggestion is merely that your staff take as an example the well-written, accurate reportage of last year and attempt to do justice to an exceptional effort by the crews with an accurate effort in coverage. Richard A. Prentke   Freshman Lightweight Crew Coach