The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-07-03
The first crews in the Varsity eight rowed
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Not only was a new record for varsity
eights made. but II is more remarkable that
the four leading crews in the race each
broke the old record by many seconds. The
race was rowed in water that was phe-
nomenally advantageous, and while this
may have helped the time. still IL did not
seem 10 assist the freshmen, who rowed
under almost the same conditions.
The varsity race was the most exciting
of the day, although the other two, with
much uncertainty over the winners, caused
a furry The fact that Pennsylvania had
been picked as a sure winner OF the four
Dared event, but that Cornell beat her out,
easily whetted the appetite OF the thousands
upon the shore and observation train for
the other contests.
The most interesting feature OF the races
is that had not Cornell freshman's oar
broken in the last half mile. Cornell would
tonight have three victories TO her credit
Columbia is happy tonight for her oarsmen
have gone up from very bad last place to
second place in a six-sided contest after
giving the winners a hard fight
Georgetown, new rival for honors, and
10 whom little attention had been paid. got
inside the time record and hung on TO the
leaders with tenacity that surprised ev-
erybOdy. Pennsylvania was never in the
race with It's second crew. and Syracuse,
with its very light oarsmen, was out
classed.
A FIERCE STRUGGLE.
The varsity race was one OF the fercest
struggles ever witnessed in college aqua
tics. and, had any one OF the crew I'm the
lead have failed because OF physical weak
ness. the tail-enders were ready TO take
their places and make good time at that.
AS it was, although the race was one OF the
most severe ever rowed, there was not q
sign Of distress in any boat
1t was a minute after half-past 5 when
the six varsity crews lined up at the start,
there being slight delay because OF the
breakaway OF Cornelrs stakeboat. The
referee gave the usual warnings, and az
the crack of the pistol the start was prac-
.ically uniform, Cornell having the only ad-
vantage, because in the Jsence of a stake
boat she had TO make flying start. liz was
evident before twenty-five strokes had been
rowed that the pace cut out by Cornell,
Wisconsin, Columbia ard Georgetown was
too much for the light Syracuse crew and
the second crew from Pennsylvania. for
they began TO drop behind into a second
section. At the half-mile there was not
twenty-five feet between the first three
boats, white Georgetown had dropped
about a half-length behind them. Column
bia was leading at this point. AT the mile
Cornell, with pretty rowing and no appar-
ent raising OF her stroke had taken the
lead away from Columbia and had about
half a length advantage. Wisconsin had
tried in vain TO steal second place from
Columbia. and from this point. although
sticking close TO Coumbias s stern, never
managed 20 draw upon her.
From the mile-and-a-half point 10 the
three-mile point at the bridge II was one OF
the most remarkable feats OF endurance
and skill ever witnessed Cornell. rowing
a low stroke TO the minute, kept the nose
Of her shell just a scant half length In
front of Columbia. who. with her stroke
and a clean running boat, made desperate
efforts TO reach her rival. Wisconsin. half
length behind Columbia. made equally great
efforts. but they seemed 10 be OF avail,
and Georgetown held on 20 the trio Of pace
makers with a tenacity that won for her
the plaudits of the spectators Those who
watched the terrific pace looked at any
moment 10 see one OF the four leaders &C
TO pieces. but they swept down under the
bridge without changing positions. Here
IL was that Columbia made a desper-
ate attempt 10 take the lead. Her
stroke hit up the swing and her boat In less
than five seconds had evened Up with Cor
nell. and In another fve had showed its
nose ten feet TO the front. From the OBJ
servation train went up mighty roar CO.
lumbia wins" but there was stu a mile OF
water to cover and Cornell had an un-
known reserve. The Ithaca boat had been
pushed forward at the lowest stroke rowed
by any OF the crews and when the Column
bia boat rushed 10 the front Cornell raised
its stroke slightly and. taking the lead
again. passed toward the finish line. In
creasing the lead until when the line was
crossed they had a length and a quarter
advantage over Columbia. Wisconsin had
found herself unable 20 get any more speed
in the last mile and finished twO lengths
and a half behind Columbia. Georgetown
had hung on like a young bulldog and
finished only a scant two lengths behind the
Wisconsin crew. Syracuse and Pennsyl-
vania We're distanced.
TIE OTHER RACES.
The four-oared race for the Davidson
Kennedy challenge trophy was called nrst.
the competing crews being PennsylvanIa.
Columbia and Cornell. arranged In this or
der from the west shore towards the middle
OF the river AT the repor, OF the referse's
pistol Pennsylvania four caught the water
first. but they were quickly followed BY
Cornell and Columbia. Nearing the ouarter