REPORT from the MANAGING COMMITTEE the Winds of Change Blow Ever Stronger Over Crew

A NEWSLETTER FOR THE FRIENDS OF MIT CREW Volume 19 Number 1 SPRING 2001

REPORT FROM THE MANAGING COMMITTEE The Winds Of Change Blow Ever Stronger Over Crew

This issue contains information from We think crew is underfunded, espe- One concern about supporting rowing many sources—the speech by MIT Presi- cially based on the number of partici- is whether to support programs that are dent Vest at last fall’s annual dinner; pants and the number of student hours reduced to non-Sprint competition (see remarks by Coach Frailey at the dedica- per year spent on training. Some would Pete Peterson’s column). At this time, MIT tion of an eight-oared shell in his name, say, however, that crew is overfunded is considering whether to downgrade also last October; a column by compared to other sports. Some women’s rowing further. We need to pro- MIT’s new athletic director, ask why the rowers should vide all of the moral support we can Candace Royer (a must work out all year. The con- muster to emphasize to the MIT adminis- read); information from The concern has been cern has been raised that tration that this would be the wrong the coaches about the raised that the demands of the demands of rowing choice. Do we stop supporting crew fi- crews; a guest column rowing may be inconsistent with may be inconsistent with nancially because of the uncertainty? You by Pete Peterson, a long- MIT’s academic focus and stan- MIT’s academic focus must make your own choice. time contributor to row- dards. Your input to the MIT and standards. Your input But be assured that the Friends Man- ing at MIT; and an intro- to the MIT administration aging Committee is committed to encour- ductory column by the administration on these on these issues is needed. aging use of alumni dollars by MIT to en- chair of a new Friends of issues is needed. We have told the administra- able the students to compete at the Crew regatta committee that is tion that rowing complements highest levels. We are working with intended to support the teams by the academic focus of MIT and that Dean Benedict and Athletic Director encouraging alumni attendance at races. rowers at MIT want to compete with the Royer to update the agreement between Much is happening, and a great deal Ivies in rowing just as they do academi- Friends and MIT to support specific goals is at stake. Our message to you is that we cally. Please add your voice. (continued on page 10) must be involved and we must stay involved for the long haul. The challenges that have faced all athletics at MIT can be addressed, but they will not be cor- rected in one year. (A column we had hoped to include from Dean for Student Life Benedict confirms his desire to increase the athletic department budget as a whole over the next several years.) Our financial help and vocal support can contribute significantly to enabling today’s undergraduates to have the best possible experience in competitive intercollegiate rowing. Director Royer’s column provides information about the challenges facing crew at MIT. You may not know that MIT is an NCAA Division III school for many sports. Rowing has traditionally not been an NCAA sport but rather regulated under the EARC and EAWRC. In recent years, women’s rowing became an NCAA sport; men’s rowing still is not. Equally important, however, is the MIT administration’s perception of what is a fair level of support for each sport. 2 SQUARING THE BLADE

MIT CREW: VOICES FROM THE PAST HELP WANTED Alumni Update Us About Their Lives Regatta Committee

LOUIS W. MAXSON ’44 notes that his St., Sudbury, MA 01776; e-mail: claudi Forms, Needs youngest son, Bruce, was recently pro- [email protected]. moted to vice president and general manager of Verizon California Opera- DAVID COPELAND ’81 was light- Your Participation tions. Louis fondly looks back on win- weight coxswain 1979-’80, and now he is ning races and collecting shirts from chief thermal engineer of Showa Alu- As the 2001 spring racing season crews that MIT beat. Send him best minum Corporation in Japan. He married gets under way, the newly formed Re- wishes at 917 Taylor Ave., Godfrey, IL Rika Watabe in December 1997, moved gatta Committee is looking for enthusi- 62035; [email protected]. back to Japan in February 1998, had a astic members to support the MIT crew son, Tsutermu William, born September teams in their quest for victory. Formed Writes JOHN W. LEONARD ’47, “At a 1998, and joined Showa in March 1999. to ensure a strong backing at regattas, reception and dinner with Lou Holtz in “I take frequent trips back to the U.S., just the committee will provide a home his glory days at Notre Dame, he asked about every month.” He’s crossed paths base for the rowers and alumni, com- me where I went to school. I asked him with RUSSELL MURPHY ’82, who was plete with food and cheering section, how many varsity sports Notre Dame also a lightweight and who is now assis- at all home races and major away had. ‘Eighteen,’ he said. I said, ‘We have tant professor of economics at Virginia races. Check racing schedules for re- 40.’ ‘Incredible,’ he exclaimed. ‘Where is Tech. David enjoys looking back at beat- gattas in your area. If you are interest- that?’ I replied, ‘The jock center of the ing Yale in 1979 and remembering the ed in supporting the rowers by helping western world—MIT.’” Other of his mem- sunny, calm mornings in the spring before out with the committee, please contact ories from his crew days are talking with the wind and the traffic would start. He Katy Croff at [email protected]. WILD BILL REYNOLDS and beating Har- also enjoyed steering close to the buoys vard three times, Washington, California, in the Head of the Charles. Write him at Princeton, and Wisconsin. Greet John at 5-7-21 Nahakuki, Oyama-shi, Tochigi- 1012 Wyndemere Dr., Boise, ID 83702. ken 323-0806, JAPAN. SQUARING IRWIN STERMAN ’55 resides at 15 In- We congratulate BARBARA MES- THE dian Hill Rd., New Rochelle, NY 10804; SINGER-RANNERT ’81 on her promotion [email protected]. to associate staff of the internal medicine BLADE department at the Cleveland Clinic. She is “I have just retired from TRW Avionics active in research, clinical medicine, and A NEWSLETTER FOR Division in San Diego and have started a teaching and has a special interest in geri- THE FRIENDS OF MIT CREW new career in the fiber optics communi- atrics. She volunteers at the Cleveland VOLUME 19•NUMBER 1 cation industry,” writes MIKE MYERS ’57 Free Clinic. Drop her a line at 5600 (12947 Creek Park Dr., Poway, CA Hawthorne Dr., Highland Heights, OH MANAGING COMMITTEE OF FRIENDS 92064; [email protected]). He passes 44143; [email protected]. DUSTIN ORDWAY ’74, CHAIR along the following: “PAUL POLUSHUK is president of Information Gatekeeper in SABRINA BERNOLD ’95 notes that she JOHN EVERETT ’76 Brookline, Massachusetts.” His favorite recently began business school at Stan- JOAN WHITTEN MILLER ’80 memories include the trips made by train ford. She has crossed paths with MEELAN JOHN MILLER, MEMBER EMERITUS to Dartmouth and Princeton. “I can still LEE, PRASHANT DOSHI, and BABAK smell the spring down there in Princeton. AZAD-TATARI. Get in touch with Sabrina DIRECTOR OF CREW Thanks to Jack Frailey for his great coach- at 680 Serra St., E478, Stanford, CA VACANT ing. I still work out on my Concept II 94305; [email protected]. every day.” WOMEN’S ROWING Reports CLAUDIA W. BUSER ’81, a VARSITY HVY. & LT. COACH SUSAN LINDHOLM process engineering group leader, “I NOVICE COACH BILL PATTERSON have been at Genzyme (Framingham) for five years. I have three children: An- MEN’S ROWING drea (7), Alexander (5), and Ariel (2). I VARSITY HVY. COACH GORDON HAMILTON can’t remember the last time I rowed a FRESHMAN HVY. COACH MIKE LANE crew shell, but I have been canoeing in one or two New Jersey races with my VARSITY LT. COACH IAN HUTTON husband yearly. Also, we canoe with FRESHMAN LT. COACH ANTHONY BROCK our children.” She well remembers row- FRIENDS MANAGING COMMITTEE ing against Columbia University in the The Master Eights (men), 1980 Rowing [email protected] Harlem River and her first Foot of the Club, Massachusetts. John Everett ’76 is Charles race. Write Claudia at 12 West the #7 seat. SPRING 2001 3

ABOUT MIT ATHLETICS AND CREW… MIT Rowing At A Critical Communication Crucial Juncture—Views Of An As MIT Grapples With Old Oarsman NCAA Rule Changes

By Cornelius “Pete” Peterson crew succeeds only when the By Candace Royer CEO NETsilicon Inc. whole team works together MIT Athletic Director Bldg. 227 and is bonded in commitment In January 2001, Dean 411 Waverley Oaks Rd. and trust that each will give his for Student Life Larry Waltham, MA 02452 or her best and all. That spirit, Benedict announced a Tele: 781/398-4510 understanding, and trust comes new department head Fax: 781/398-4867 only from long hours together, and director of athletics [email protected] honing disparate skills into a for MIT. As a long-time www.netsilicon.com single machine. An abbreviat- member of the coaching MIT is wrestling with the ed schedule will not provide and teaching staff and tough challenge of how to po- the environment needed for most recently serving as sition the crew program at MIT that. At MIT I may have won the director of physical within the new NCAA guide- no races, but I came away education and associate lines. The current thinking is to from the experience a far bet- department head in ath- move the program from its ter man than I ever would letics, I was selected for present place in Division I to have been without the benefit this position. May I take Division III, which would seri- of rowing. this opportunity to let ously curtail the program and The race schedule, while Candace Royer each of you know that I the benefits to participating frustrating for some since we consider this appointment to be both an honor and a students. There are significant don’t win many races, is a privilege? I am enthusiastic about our future in the depart- things at stake for MIT oarsmen privilege to be a part of. Losing ment, and I look forward to serving you and the MIT and women that need to be the races we did instilled in community in the years to come. fully considered. Whatever is me a hunger for winning that When Dustin Ordway and Joan Miller suggested that I decided regarding MIT rowing, has fueled my career and kept write a brief column for your newsletter, I was thrilled some things must be pre- me in rowing as a Masters and quickly agreed. Not only do I have the chance to in- served, or, in my opinion, the competitive oarsman and, I troduce myself to you, but I have the greater privilege of nature of rowing and its ability might add, as a winning one. informing you directly about the issues facing our rowing to add significant value to the What Division III oarsman programs at this time. MIT educational experience wouldn’t want to row in the Allow me to begin by saying that there is much work will be unalterably compro- schedule MIT now rows in? to be done. We wish to assure you, however, that we are mised and denigrated. Two Why give it up? It’s unneces- working daily on this situation. We believe in the fine tra- things that must be continued sary. I don’t see MIT thinking ditions of MIT rowing that have developed over a long are as follows: about making the computer and storied past, and we understand the passion of our science program a third-level current oarsmen and oarswomen to continue these tradi- • Rowing must continue to program and cannot compre- tions. It is not our intention to dismantle or destroy any of be a yearlong experience and hend why any such considera- them; however, the actions we take must reflect the best not have the practice schedule tion should be given to crew. interests of all of our sports programs. We fear that there significantly curtailed. If rowing at MIT is moved is some confusion circulating just now, and I hope you • The racing schedule must down to Division III, I know it will bear with me as I attempt to sort out the facts. continue to be with the EARC, will not be many years before At the NCAA National Convention in January 2001, IRA, and Ivy schools as it now the program as we know it will legislation was passed that has the potential to affect our is and not be downgraded to have disappeared. I’m sure rowing programs significantly. This legislation restricts Division III schools. that most alumni who actively all Division III sports programs to a 21-week maximum Why do I feel this way? The support the sport at MIT today practice and competitive season. We would like to note yearlong experience is neces- will find it difficult to continue that MIT did not vote in favor of the 21-week restriction sary to develop the particular supporting a watered-down on playing and practice seasons. In fact, we were part skills required for rowing and program. Rowing contributes of a very small minority of schools that voted against to forge the team bonds neces- to the educational experience this legislation. sary for a true rowing experi- and growth of fully rounded Other legislation that was passed created a new Divi- ence. Unlike many other men and women. We need to sion III national-level championship for women rowers. sports, rowing has no heroes be strengthening crew, not These two pieces of legislation when combined result in or high scorers who are the committing it to a third-level a few changes: 1) they provide an option for our women main ingredient for success. A outcome. (continued on page four) 4 SQUARING THE BLADE MIT Grapples With NCAA Rule Changes

(continued from page three) expressed that they would be very dis- most of our sports programs. In fact, rowers to take part in a divided cham- appointed if the men’s crews were to some of our programs cannot take full pionship, that is, one exclusively for be permitted to row a longer season advantage of the 21-week rule due to Division III rowing institutions; 2) they than the one that they are able to weather or our inability to provide restrict the number of weeks that our enjoy. Our oarsmen, of course, would practice spaces and human resources women can effectively be under the di- find this situation to be completely ab- over the longer term. rect supervision of their coaches horrent if not apocalyptic. So, you might ask, what are our next (formerly, 26 weeks, which What is developing is not steps? We are in the process of engag- was the EAWRC standard); the beautiful picture of rowing legal counsel, Rich Hilliard, who which then, 3) calls into One of the questions ing at MIT that has existed was recommended to us by FOMITC question the efficacy of that emerges is how to remain and that so many of us during a recent conversation at MIT. our women’s crews re- a Sprint school while complying wish to see continued. Mr. Hilliard is very familiar with NCAA maining in the EAWRC. For a good portion of the legislative services, issues, and litiga- Many of you have with the restrictions that have first 60 days of my new tion. We hope to utilize Mr. Hilliard to written to me expressing been so suddenly placed administration, little time help us to determine what, if anything, your grave concern about upon us. has passed without trou- there is that we can do to find an ex- these developments. First, bling thoughts related to our ception to the 21-week rule for our you have said that MIT should rowing programs. Assistant Di- women’s crews. Additionally, we in- continue to row as an EARC/EAWRC rector of Athletics John Benedict and I tend to speak with other Sprint school (Sprint) school, and you have explained have spent countless hours with NCAA administrators to examine the possibili- why this level of rowing is important to legislative services personnel, athletics ty of remaining a Sprint school (and you and to future generations of oars- directors, our own faculty coaches at rowing a Sprint schedule) without hav- men and women. Then, you have said MIT, the athletics board, and our strate- ing to reclassify. We must mention that that ONLY by rowing hard and long gic planning committee discussing and as a member of the NEWMAC confer- across many months of training can strategizing. We have consulted with ence, we do have conference obliga- one’s true potential be reached and the the president and chancellor of MIT, tions for participation in its champi- valuable bonds be formed among team- and the new dean for student life con- onships. We will look into the possible mates. Our current students and coach- tinues to stay engaged in the entire scheduling ramifications of this respon- es have reinforced your viewpoint on process. sibility as well as explore the anticipat- these issues. One of the questions that emerges ed scheduling obligations we might Nevertheless, MIT is a Division III in- is how to remain a Sprint school have at the regional and national NCAA stitution by philosophy and declaration. while complying with the restric- level. Therefore, we must either live by the tions that have been so sud- In the spirit of opening rules that are passed by the NCAA as denly placed upon us. It is communications on this they apply to Division III institutions or not trivial to note that In the spirit of opening and other departmental attempt to change them to better fit MIT is the only institu- communications on this and issues that touch our with our fine traditions of rowing in the tion we have found that other departmental issues that rowing programs, we EARCs and EAWRCs. It should be is in this dilemma in the touch our rowing programs, we will keep you informed, pointed out that the playing season re- EARC/EAWRC rowing and we invite your striction is ONLY applicable for Divi- community. will keep you informed, and we comments. Please know, sion III institutions. All of the remaining As I mentioned before, invite your comments. however, that while I institutions in the EARC/EAWRC are Di- some constituents have sug- would like to respond to vision I schools such as Harvard, gested that the way to mitigate each of you who elect to write Princeton, Yale, etc., and will still be this legislation is to reclassify the to me individually, I cannot continue to able to practice/compete for 26 weeks. women’s program to the Division I do so at the present time. We know that It does not take MIT alumni long to level. While this appears to be a simple your feelings are strong and that your postulate what effects a reduction in the solution at first blush, a decision of this thoughts are worthy of our attention. I number of weeks of practice without nature could have significant manage- will ask Dustin to collect your com- coaching supervision is likely to have ment implications for our remaining ments and forward them to me for our on our female crews. Some have sug- sports programs, coaches, and students. consideration. We will keep you updat- gested that reclassification to Division I Division I classification would mean ed, perhaps through the FOMITC status is the only solution to the present changes in some aspects of admissions e-mail listserve, until this situation is dilemma. documentation. In addition, there is a resolved. To complicate matters, since our de- present moratorium on reclassification In closing, we are confident that by partment has been committed to ad- of any sport to Division I status until the engaging our collective minds in ministering all sports programs along spring of 2002. We are currently look- searching for solutions, we will deepen similar guidelines, there is the distinct ing into the moratorium, but we do not our understanding of one another’s per- possibility that the rowing experience hold out much hope for an exemption spectives and challenges. It is our hope for the men would need to be reformu- on the reclassification issue. that the future will find us in collabora- lated to approximate the women’s pro- It is important to note that NCAA tive support of men’s and women’s gram. Our female rowers have already legislation or other constraints restrict rowing at MIT! SPRING 2001 5 FRIENDS OF CREW DINNER: PRESIDENT VEST A Call For Unity In An Effort To Improve All Of MIT

By Charles M. Vest went to visit their legendary athletic ing, our endowment per student was far MIT President director, Don Canham. He was ushered below those of most of our peers, and October 21, 2000 into Canham’s inner sanctum and we had a duty to keep tuition, room, started talking. Canham kept looking and board from growing rapidly and It is a great pleasure for Becky and me at him with a very odd expres- making MIT unaffordable. to join the Friends of Crew this evening. sion and not being very The last five years have We have broken bread with this extraor- responsive. After several We have started down seen dramatic improvement dinary group several times during our minutes he slapped him- a long and permanent path in our financial environ- years at MIT and always have greatly en- self on the forehead and ment. This is due primari- joyed it. We have many personal friends said, “Damn! You’re the to building strength on ly to the strong U.S. econ- in this group. provost, aren’t you? I strength and establishing a omy and the magnificent It also has been our observation that thought you were a shoe student life at MIT sec- performance of equities. there is no group whose loyalty to MIT salesman or something.” ond to none. During this period, we exceeds that of our alumni rowers, Hard to imagine that hap- have greatly improved our un- whether they be octogenarians who still pening to Bob Brown at MIT. derlying financial strength, row together on the Tidal Basin in Wash- I also could share with you the ob- thanks in very large measure to our ington or those of all ages who return servations of my colleague Myles Brand, treasurer, Allan Bufferd, and to many of here to their Cambridge home. who recently sent his basketball coach you who continue to support us with And I also must say that in an unusual on to alternative opportunities—some- generous donations. way I personally benefit by the presence one named Bobby Knight. But I won’t. But the last five years have seen of crew at MIT—because I maintain my But I will tell you about my friend something of even more fundamental own physical and mental well-being by Harold Shapiro, president of Princeton, importance. There has been an up- running—well, jogging—along the who moved from Michigan several years welling of renewed commitment to the banks of the Charles each morning at ago to take up that post. He recently overall quality of life of students at MIT. about 6:30 before I begin my work day. noted that when he was president of We have started down a long and Throughout most of the year this af- Michigan he received maybe a dozen permanent path to building strength on fords me an inspiring view of the beauty letters each year about athletics. At strength and establishing a student life at of the shells, the coordinated efforts of Princeton, about 30 percent of his mail MIT second to none. The primary articu- those within them, and the flowing, is about athletics. I can relate to that. lation of this change was the report of symmetrical patterns of the vortices they Why am I saying all this? the Task Force on Student Life and Learn- shed. For two reasons. ing, which I appointed together with for- Thank you. First reason: The mail about athletics mer Dean of Students and Undergradu- But tonight as we break bread togeth- at MIT has been hot and heavy during ate Education Roz Williams. er, I am forewarned that some might the last two years because it comes from Two years of hard work, thought, and prefer to break oars over my head. people who care. They care about sports discussion with alumni, students, staff, This is not my preferred mode of and fitness. They care about our stu- and faculty convinced the task force that sculling. dents, past, present, and future, and they education at MIT should no longer rest And I know that it really is not yours care about MIT. And most of them care on the two pillars of teaching and re- either. specifically about crew. search. Rather, it should reflect a triad of Please do not expect any Second reason: I talk a lot to academics, research, and community. earth-shattering announce- my colleague presidents in Community—the commitment to ments or revelations to- But tonight as we many other universities, building campus community—means night. But I am pleased break bread together, I am and most of them would that we must strengthen and better inte- to share some personal forewarned that some might give their right arm to grate life and learning within the MIT and institutional per- prefer to break oars over have a balanced, partici- student experience. Sports, fitness, and spectives on something patory program like MIT. athletics must be—and are—very impor- we all value—athletics, my head. This is not my We have a true tradition of tant elements of a renewed commitment sports, and fitness at MIT. preferred mode of a balanced approach to to student life and learning. Before having the honor sculling. sports, a recognition that Now I will be the very first to admit and privilege of becoming academics come first. We have that athletics at MIT have been under- MIT’s president, I spent some 27 good priorities. funded and that this was exacerbated years at the University of Michigan. I But this is not to say that we are per- during the tough financial times of the have experienced so-called “big-time fect. We can and must improve in many first several years of this decade. We athletics,” and I have experienced MIT ways. have tried to do too much with too little. athletics. These contrasting experiences My decade at MIT can be divided And I will be the first to admit that many inform my view of the world of sports into two distinct segments. of our facilities degenerated badly. and fitness on campus. During the first half of the ’90s, MIT But I also want you to understand that When my friend Jim Duderstadt was struggled mightily with serious financial all of the institute and its programs took provost at the University of Michigan, he challenges. Federal funding was stagnat- (continued on page eight) 6 NEW EIGHT-OARED SHELL DEDIC Jack Shares Some Of His Thought

By Jack Frailey was written to a sportswriter in 1958 by concerning the rewards of rowing October 21, 2000 Russell Callow, known to his fellow and the unity you have noticed I am really quite overwhelmed. Over- coaches as Rusty. among oarsmen and former oarsmen whelmed by this high honor that has Rusty’s credentials were awesome. I cannot separate in my mind, since been bestowed upon me and over- He coached at Washington, Penn, and each partake so much of the other. whelmed by the emotions I’m feeling— Navy, and among his many fine crews You ask about the individual’s sense because I can see so many here who was one at Navy, dubbed “the Admi- of accomplishment and/or contribu- were the fine young men willing to in- rals” by the press, which still owns the tion to the group effort. vest a part of their lives in me. What a record for the most consecutive wins in You also speak of the unity of oars- pleasure and privilege it was for me to coach them. Let me begin by thanking all who had a part in making this such a very, very special day or me. I’m not only re- ferring to those who made the acquisi- tion of this beautiful new shell possible, but also to all those who are here— those who made the choice to take a personal part in this dedication. And also to those who may be in the back- ground, but who tended to all the logis- tical chores that led up to this glorious moment. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Now, most of you here have been, or are, oarsmen or -women and will relate intercollegiate competition. But Rusty men, which you feel comes the clos- to what I have to say because of the was more than that; he was also a est to being a religion of anything in bond we share with each other. But Rhodes Scholar in philosophy. Knowing athletics. there are others here who perhaps find it that, the sportswriter had asked him to Always remember that in rowing somewhat difficult to fully understand respond to four questions, all of which there are no quarters, halves, time- this wonderful sport and what it means could be summed up by “why crew?” outs or substitutions. For anywhere to us. I think I can help them do that. I’m going to read only a few excerpts from six to 22 minutes the eight or I guess I’ve cheated a little in prepar- from that masterful letter. fewer oarsmen on a racing crew are ing these remarks because half of what I in constant synchronous motion and have to say I shall read from a letter. It Your third and fourth questions are continuously expending near- maximum effort without any hope of a ‘blow.’ Once the starter’s command is given, the individual oarsman is on his own in one sense, and interde- pendent on his fellows to ‘row it out’ in another. It is possible ‘to dog it’ in any sport, but it’s all but impossible to hide lack of team effort from your fellow oarsmen in rowing. Those puddles that leave the end of the oar at the end of each stroke are as meaningful to the men they go past as the moving finger which, having written, moves on. To me the finest spectacle in sport is to watch a crew when all of its members are seemingly close to ex- haustion rise to challenge, or to the challenge of their opponents, and go out and beyond themselves. From this comes the sheer physical joy that an oarsman experiences when the boat is swinging, the spacing length- 7 CATED IN JACK FRAILEY’S HONOR ts During The October Dedication

ens out, and the called for or silent far down the list they stood within ‘10’ or ‘20’ hard strokes melds eight their own squads, yet the race meant men and a coxswain into a single, everything to them (and little to any- wholly unified, struggling, competi- one else). The race was theirs, not tive entity. Princeton’s or Wisconsin’s. It was If you have never been part of theirs. And for nearly eight minutes such an effort, you can never really they gave and got exactly what Rusty fully appreciate what it accomplishes wrote about. No time outs, no half in the minds and hearts of its partici- time, no substitutes, no place to hide pants. The individual oarsman never among their crewmates, completely forgets such an experience, and in unwilling to let their buddy down, that great common effort lies the real their brother as it were, and wanting secret of the almost ‘religious’ feel- among all that I’ve witnessed, most epit- desperately to win. More than that, ing oarsmen have for their sport and omizes what Rusty wrote and which all they were ready and willing to give it the affinity they feel for one another. oarsmen and women come to know. It everything they had. After all, Skidmore The supreme effort called for in the was at the Intercollegiate Rowing Associ- was 10 seconds back; one or both pairs situation I have just described, and ation Regatta in the long hours of backbreaking prac- 1989. tice that it takes to ready a crew for Strangers to competition, cannot help but build the sport need the participants’ respect and admira- to know a little tion each for the other. To put it an- about the regatta other way, I turn to the Bard in Henry format before I , wherein the King speaks to his V go on. There are army before the great battle of Agin- six major events: court: We few, we happy few, we varsity eight, ju- band of brothers, For he, today that nior varsity eight, sheds his blood with me, Shall be my fours with and brother... without coxs- The rest of these remarks I probably wain, an open didn’t need to write down. I want to tell four in which you now about the race which, from freshmen may join with upperclassmen, and a pair without coxswain. Coaches from the powerhouse could have decided simply to stay com- colleges with manpower to burn boat fortably in the lead and then make a mad their best oarsmen in that order, so that dash to the finish line. those who wind up in the pair are the bot- I repeat Rusty’s words here for tom two rungs on the ladder. There are emphasis. 26 rungs above them. The race I have in mind was the If you have never been part of Grand Final in the last category, the such an effort you can never really pair. There were six boats in the race; it fully appreciate what it accomplishes was won by Princeton in 7:39.8; behind in the minds and hearts of its partici- Princeton by a scant 0.3 of a second pants. The individual oarsman never was Wisconsin in 7:40.1; 10 seconds forgets such an experience, and in back in third place was Skidmore in that great common effort lies the real 7:50.9. I was on the water that day an- secret of the almost ‘religious’ feeling nouncing each race from start to finish. I oarsmen have for their sport and the can tell you that those two crews went affinity they feel for one another. the whole course in adjacent lanes as if they were the hulls of a catamaran. Nei- That’s how I felt when I rowed, that’s ther boat was more than six feet ahead how I feel now. I just wanted to take at any time, and the lead changed hands these few minutes to share these feelings five or six times or more. with you. Now think! Those four men knew how Thank you. 8 SQUARING THE BLADE

A Call For Unity In An Effort To Improve All Of MIT

(continued from page five) We have also made less visible but But, friends, it is not my intent just to their lumps. Like athletics, everyone had very important changes. For example, make these positive announcements and to get along with all-too-modest annual the funding of the department of athlet- sit down. We are at the beginning of a budget increases, and all had to undergo ics received the largest percentage in- journey—not an end. some actual cuts. crease this year of any academic or ad- Although we have had a stronger We worked hard, and with mixed ministrative unit at MIT. tree from which to shake resources, we success, to improve management and This recommitment to the nature of still face hard choices, and we still systems, to gain efficiencies, and to bet- student life at MIT is evident in the must establish a set of priorities and ad- ter integrate our activities. This too has organization and activities of the senior here to them. We need a philosophical contributed to a more positive situation leadership of MIT. I would first salute Roz framework. today. Williams, who more than anyone else I personally believe that we need not We have broken out of the helped us to shape the integration reinvent the philosophical framework al- doldrums. One of the most The of student life and learning and together. In my view, this framework tangible symbols of this funding of the de- begin to reorganize to real- was set over 50 years ago by the Lewis change is in athletics. ize our aspirations. Commission, which set MIT on its way Next week we break partment of athletics re- And a true hero in this to being a truly great university. The ground for the construc- ceived the largest percentage renewal is Larry Bacow. commission conceived and articulated tion of a magnificent new increase this year of any aca- Two years ago, I asked the ideal of excellence through limited $45 million sports and fit- demic or administrative Larry to take on the newly objectives. ness center. This has been unit at MIT. defined position of chancel- My old pal Hannah Gray, former the dream and absolute lor in order to provide strong president of the University of Chicago, number-one priority of the de- leadership to the many impor- recently observed that universities be- partment and of our Athletics Visit- tant activities that cut across tradition- come great as much through what they ing Committee for as long as I have al academic and administrative bound- choose not to do as through what they been here. Now it will be a reality. It aries. Student life in general and choose to do. These are wise words. will have a profound impact on our athletics in particular are a major part of Such a philosophy—of excellence community. this broad portfolio. Larry has taken it on through limited objectives—means that The sports and fitness center is the re- with zeal and has been instrumental in we must make conscious choices about sult of great planning by Dick Hill and all that I have spoken about thus far. the programs we field in intercollegiate his colleagues, the department of facili- As we work to create a still more athletics, recreational sports, and physi- ties, our chancellor, Larry Bacow, and effective organization and a stronger cal education. It means that we must many others. It also represents the deep community, we have restructured the have viable equipment and facilities for commitment and concerted effort in fund dean’s office and made two stunning the programs we choose. And I believe raising that Larry, Paul Gray, and I have new appointments. that it means that we must, above all, been engaged in for several years. It rep- First, physics professor Bob Red- seek balance and opportunity for resents the leadership of our visiting wine has relinquished his posi- broad participation in sports for committee chair, Mary Francis Wagley. tion as director of MIT’s labo- our students. We must assure Above all, it represents the extraordinary ratory for nuclear science We must assure that that large numbers of our personal and financial commitment of Al to devote full time to serv- students have the oppor- and Barrie Zesiger, Harold and Betty ing as dean for under- large numbers of our students tunity to compete and Muckley, Brit and Alex d’Arbeloff, Ann graduate education. have the opportunity to compete participate at various lev- and Tom Gerrity, and many others— Second, a remarkable and participate at various levels, els, thereby gaining the some in this room this evening. and highly-experienced thereby gaining the benefits benefits of sports experi- It shows the value that this communi- professional, Larry Bene- of sports experiences. ences. Our students de- ty and institution place on sports and fit- dict, moved from Johns serve no less. ness, and it shows what we can accom- Hopkins University to join MIT So how should these choices plish when we plan and work together. as our dean for student life. be made? We are initiating a com- This center will make us all very proud, The department of athletics, physical prehensive strategic planning process for and it will contribute to the wellness of education, and recreation, through its the department. Dr. David Ellis, the for- generations of MIT men and women. director, now reports directly to Larry mer president of Lafayette College who Strengthened commitment and re- Benedict, and he has taken on this re- directs this magnificent science museum, sources can be seen in other ways as sponsibility with great energy and com- has been retained to help us develop well. We have put in place a new turf petence. In less than two months, he has and implement this planning process. field, renovated both the indoor and out- already made his very positive presence Through this mechanism, we will identi- door tracks, and built new locker rooms and support felt. He will serve us well. fy the strengths and weaknesses of our in the DuPont gymnasium. Indeed, he already has begun a dia- programs, set priorities, and establish a And as the construction of the new logue with the Friends of Crew. He is roadmap for moving forward. Stata Center for Computer, Information, committed to raising funds for athletics The Friends of Crew will have input and Intelligence Sciences is completed, and is committed to working in a coop- to this process. The Athletics Visiting we will make renovations to the alumni erative and administratively appropriate Committee will be engaged, as, of pool and create additional fitness facili- way with you on the use of funds raised course, will the department and our stu- ties in that area of campus as well. by Friends of Crew. (continued on page 10) SPRING 2001 9 MEN’S HEAVYWEIGHT CREW OUTLOOK Sophomores Lead The Charge In Rebuilding Program

By Gordon Hamilton The final race of the fall is the Foot to be slightly faster than they in some Heavyweight Coach of the Charles, a regatta in which all six or seven controlled rating pieces This year has very much been one of the local colleges as well as Dart- from 6-3 minutes in duration. This of rebuilding. With a solid group of mouth heavyweights and Columbia practice has given us some confidence sophomores returning from last year’s and Dartmouth lightweights row in as we face our coming schedule this successful freshman squad, the varsity fours at the varsity level and in eights spring. heavyweights rowed in the fall Head at the frosh level. This year, the One element of the winter training races with more sophomores in the Heavyweights came in 14th, 23rd, this year has been the whole NCAA first eight than at any time in the 15 26th, and 30th out of 42 entries. The division issue that the women’s squad years I have been here. Seven of the frosh came in 11th, 15th, and 31st out has been living under since January. It first nine were sophomores in this of 35 entries. has caused us a great deal of concern, year’s Head of the Charles. The lone The next event of interest was our and significant time has been spent upperclassmen were seniors Andy Florida trip over IAP. For the first time discussing this with the students and Copeland and captain Mark Jhon. in many years the frosh had two com- the administration. It has been very The first race of the year was the plete eights training in Hollywood. stressful; however, there has been a Head of the Ohio in Pittsburgh, Penn- The varsity rowed mostly in fours and beneficial side to this: The heavy- sylvania. The MIT heavyweights have pairs, and the highlight was a practice weights, lightweights, and women are been competing in this regatta since we held in Miami Beach with George- truly supporting one another as we the early ’90s, largely thanks to the town. Georgetown had beaten Navy, have come to realize even more just generosity of MIT crew alums in the Columbia, and Rutgers in the Head of how interconnected we all are in this area, particularly Chris Ryan and his the Charles, and our first eight proved great opportunity we call MIT crew. family. This year, we were greeted with very strong winds blowing straight up river against the current, THE 2001 MEN’S HEAVYWEIGHT CREW SCHEDULE causing what proved to be unrowable conditions. The entire regatta, which March has come to be second in size only to Sat. 31 Class Challenge (heavyweight class boats v. Alumni) the Head of the Charles among fall Head races, was cancelled right after April the completion of the open eights race Sun. 1 Scrimmage v. Riverside BC, HOME in the mid-morning after several boats Sat. 7 Alumni Cup v. Columbia, HOME (1st varsity had swamped. MIT managed a third race time is 8:48 a.m.) out of 20 entries through the rough water. Sat. 14 Williams, Conn, WPI at Worcester (TBA) The next race of the fall was the Sat. 21 Compton Cup v. Harvard, Princeton at Princeton (TBA) New Hampshire Championships, Sun. 22 Boston College, HOME (1st varsity where we had better weather and race time at 8:48 a.m.) slightly better results, finishing third of May 12 in the open four and first and fourth out of 10 entries in the open Sat. 5 Cochrane Cup v. Dartmouth, Wisconsin, HOME eight. The freshmen raced respectably (1st var 2 at 10:00 a.m.) in the frosh eight, coming in Sun. 13 Eastern Sprints at Worcester sixth,12th, and 13th out of 15. For the May/June past few years, we have viewed the New Hampshire Championships as a Thurs. 31- IRA Championships @ Cooper River, Camden, NJ dress rehearsal for the Head of the Sat. 2 Charles, which is frequently held the next weekend. The Head of the Charles brought lovely weather, large crowds of spec- tators, and some annoying interfer- Friends of MIT Crew Account Information ence from a Duke crew in the championship eight, which caused us to More than $1,000,000 has been raised since the founding of the Friends lose precious time. We ended up 29th through thousands of individual donations by alumni and friends. out of 55, but despite the interference, Friends’ funds are separately collected and managed by MIT and continue to we were able to remain close to grow after the date of donation. league rival Columbia. The club eight To direct donations to the Friends of MIT Crew account, earmark your MIT held the previous day saw our second contribution to Friends of MIT Crew Acct. No. 3855200. eight come in 44th out of 68 entries. 10 SQUARING THE BLADE

A Call For Unity In An Effort To Improve All Of MIT

(continued from page eight) gether openly for the good of MIT crew mistake the provost for a shoe salesman. dents. This will be the primary vehicle and all of MIT athletics. We have the But no MIT president, provost, chancel- for guiding decisions and allocations leadership in place to do this, and, with lor, or dean will ever forget the impor- by both the department and the senior your help, we will continue to strength- tance of sports and recreation to our administration. en the resource base that is needed. campus. We are committed to continue raising No athletic director at MIT will ever Thank you. funds and improving the crew program and facilities. The excellence of this program over the years has been a major part of MIT’s culture and ethos. THE 2001 WOMEN’S CREW SCHEDULE How could it be otherwise, given our March superb location on the banks of the Sat. 24 Columbia, Coast Guard @ Columbia Charles? Sat. 31 Dartmouth, Smith, UNH @ Home Athletics, sports, and physical fitness are very important on this campus: April • They are one of the most effec- Sat. 7 Georgetown, St. Joseph, Drexel @ Philadelphia (Double Dual) tive mechanisms to create com- Sat. 14 Williams, Connecticut College, WPI @ Worcester munity and comradeship. Sat. 21 NEWMAC Championship @ Worcester • They teach us team skills and leadership and the value of Sat. 28 Navy, Notre Dame @ Annapolis balancing competition and May cooperation. Sat. 5 Radcliffe, BU @ Home • They help us to develop life-long Sun. 13 Sprints @ Camden, New Jersey commitments to good health. • And, yes, they provide a much- Wed. 23- NCAA 1st varsity (only when we qualify) needed outlet and counterweight Sat. 26 to the rigorous, demanding na- May/June ture of education at MIT. Wed. 30- IRA 1st lightweight varsity only We need to set our disagreements Sat. 2 aside and concentrate on working to-

The Winds Of Change Blow Ever Stronger Over Crew

(continued from page one) to the academic standards or quality of you can help. identified in our strategic plan. We are life of MIT students. communicating the concerns of alumni Involvement in leadership of Friends The Managing Committee and students about maintaining MIT’s has grown. We are at a point in our his- Dustin P. Ordway ’74, Chair rowing traditions and improving support tory as an alumni organization that we John G. Everett ’76 Joan W. Miller ’80 for crew and other sports. We have met need to develop our structure and in- E-mail: [email protected] with MIT to straighten out MIT’s handling volve even more of you. Between now (for Managing Committee and other of our finances and to resolve problems and the annual dinner next October, we committee chairs) with MIT’s treatment of the Boat Club. would like to develop a set of bylaws to The Fund Planning Committee is continu- expand on our agreement with MIT. The The Fund Campaign Planning Committee ing its efforts to prepare for a fund-raising goal is to put in place a structure that en- Jack Frailey ’44 Mike Greata ’63 campaign. courages and enables participation by a Bill Reynolds ’49 John Wasserlein ’63 Whether or not you decide to support broad spectrum of women and men, Bill McTigue ’54 Bruce Anderson ’69 crew financially now or in the future, lights and heavies, younger and older Chet Riley ’62 Roseanna Means ’76 please take a few minutes to communi- grads, including those able to help with E-mail: [email protected] cate with the MIT administration about sweat or dollars or both. the importance of crew. You can review The dozen-plus working actively to- The Information Development Committee and comment on the work in progress of gether now and meeting regularly to ad- Mike Scott ’73 Stu Schmill ’86 the Athletic Department Strategic Plan- dress concerns and get the word out Willie Vicens ’70 John Everett ’76 ning Committee at http://web.mit.edu/ needs to become a larger group. And David Lee ’69 athletics/www/plan/index.html. Also con- that larger group needs to help the entire E-mail: [email protected] tact directly individuals you know in the group of thousands of rowing alumni be- administration to help educate them come better informed and more in- Regatta Committee about how and why crew at the Sprints volved. Please contact any of us to dis- Katy Croff ’00 ([email protected]) level is a good fit for MIT and not a threat cuss what is happening now and how SPRING 2001 11 MEN’S LIGHTWEIGHT CREW OUTLOOK Enthusiastic And Intense Team Pursues Lofty Goals

By Ian Hutton cipitated some remarkable finishes in vigor in anticipation of squaring off Lightweight Coach fall races. They have set some lofty against its league rivals once more. The fall of 2000 saw the usual flood goals for the spring. Under ideal conditions and after of bewildered faces in and out of the The varsity opened its fall racing months of intensive preparation, the boathouse as would-be freshman light- season with a win at the Textile River varsity lightweights took advantage of weights tried their hand at the Charles’ Regatta held on October 1. The first their opportunity to shine at the Tail. most beloved endeavor. The frosh boat won its event by a convincing The first boat rowed an impressive spent the majority of the fall season margin, beating second-place Boston race, finishing in a tie with Dartmouth simply learning the stroke in anticipa- College by 46 seconds and Holy Cross for eighth place. Just two seconds be- tion of great things to come in the (in third) by 57 seconds. The second hind Harvard’s first four and one sec- spring. Anthony Brock, coach of the boat finished fourth, just 27 seconds ond behind Harvard’s second four, the freshman lightweights, took three eights behind Holy Cross. In earning the gold MIT lightweights surprised a few of out each afternoon throughout the fall medal, the first boat posted the third- their league rivals by tying Dartmouth and instilled in them a love for the fastest time of the day, including and beating Columbia, last year’s win- sport and a sense of camaraderie. heavyweight and open events. ner of the IRAs. Many new friendships were spawned. The team returned to the river slight- The second four had some degree of As the crews headed to Hanover for ly more confident to begin practicing difficulty with the rating, but began fir- the Dartmouth Invitational, a gradual for the Head of the Charles. Part of the ing on all cylinders by the second half realization of what the world of rowing preparation included some goal-setting, of the race and crossed the line in 27th holds was now apparent on those once wherein the first boat set its sights on place. The third and fourth fours rowed bewildered faces. The freshman light- finishing within 5 percent of the win- well but finished 33rd and 36th in a weights fared all right against their ning time. Despite a mediocre start and very competitive field of 41 crews that league rivals, but it was clear that a lit- some difficulty with the cadence down included six boats from Harvard, four tle more preparation was necessary. the powerhouse stretch, the eight boats from Columbia, and four from The A boat finished eighth out of 15 picked up speed throughout the re- Dartmouth in addition to all of the crews, but as the race combined both mainder of the race, finishing ninth heavyweight crews. heavyweights and lightweights in the overall and posting a time that was Following two tremendously pro- same event, they were the fourth light- within 5.2 percent of Yale’s winning ductive weeks in Florida during IAP, weight crew to cross the line. Despite time. the lightweights have continued to their 15th-place finish, the B boat fin- Following the Head, the squad broke pour it on and are waiting for the river ished fifth among the lightweight down into fours and began seat racing to thaw so they can return to the crews. for the lineups that would compete at water. The varsity lightweights will So practice they did. And when the the Tail of the Charles. Inspired by its open the spring season against Yale for Tail of the Charles rolled around, they performance at the Head, the team the Joy Cup in new Haven on March were much more well-rehearsed at the continued its training with renewed 31. whole racing thing. The A boat finished 16th, just 16 seconds behind Harvard’s A boat and only two seconds off of Co- lumbia’s B boat. MIT’s B boat got off to THE 2001 MEN’S LIGHTWEIGHT CREW SCHEDULE a fast start before the rudder string broke about 200 meters into the race, April necessitating a spontaneous pit-stop and costing precious minutes. The C Sun. 8 U.S. Military Academy (Army), Boston College, HOME boat finished 28th out of 35 crews. The freshmen have been training Sat. 14 Harvard, Dartmouth (Biglin Bowl) at Dartmouth quite rigorously throughout the winter Sat. 21 Cornell, Columbia (Geiger Cup), HOME and will kick off their spring season against Yale on March 31. Sun. 22 U.S. Naval Academy (Navy), HOME The varsity lightweights boasted 25 returning members at the outset of the Sat. 28 Rutgers, HOME fall season, but the rigors of a new training regimen, combined with early May morning practices, streamlined the Sun. 13 Eastern Sprints at Worcester, Massachusetts squad to 20 by the first race. In addition to a slightly different approach to June strength and conditioning, the varsity lightweights learned a slightly different Sat. 2 IRA Regatta at Camden, New Jersey technical style as well. The squad’s re- lentless enthusiasm and intensity pre- Massachusetts Institute of Technology Non-Profit Organization Friends of MIT Crew U.S. POSTAGE 77 Massachusetts Avenue PAID Cambridge, MA Building 12-090 Permit No. 54016 Cambridge, MA 02139 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

WHAT’S INSIDE THIS ISSUE M.I.T. Highlights Of Contents • Report From Managing Committee pages 1,10 • Regatta Committee Forms, Needs Your Help page 2 • Rowing at Critical Juncture page 3 • Report From The New Athletic Director pages 3-4 • Message From President Vest pages 5, 8, 10 • Jack Frailey Speaks At Shell Dedication pages 6-7 CREW • Men’s Heavyweight Crew Outlook page 9 • Men’s Lightweight Crew Outlook page 11