The Washington times., 1907-06-02


Academy was to send a crew to Pough-
keepsie. but few, outside Of those who
were on the inside realized the midship-
mems eight would be a strong contender
for first honOrs at the big intercollegiate
regatta, an honor that during this cen
tury has fallen to Cornell with but one
break.
Are Not Too Young.
1t was stated that the Navy boys
would be too young for the task set be-
fore them. that they would be unpre-
pared for the strain Of a four-mile race.
because all Of their contests for years
back had been for but half that dis
lance. and that they were being sent
purely because they would enjoy the
sport. II was forgotten Annapolis had
within the past few years registered de-
feats against the best crews Pennsyl-
vania. Yale. Columbia. and Georgetown
could turn out, and that It has been
policy with the naval authorities to pro-
mote athletics at the Academy to the
best Of their ability. and when outside
competition is INDUCED in to go FOR the
victory.
Furthermore, before Secretary Metcalf
had given his consent. II was realized
by those in authority at Annapolis that
this years crew was the best the Md
dies had ever produced and would stand
an excellent chance to win the race.
which, to state IL mildly. would be the
best thing American college rowing could
have happen to it, for the continued vic
tories Of Cornell in the sport. although
very much merited. have served to Gre
ate a lack OF interest in the Poughkeep-
sic regatta as we'll as to somewhat
deaden the sport at the other five col
leges. Pennsylvania. Columbia, Syracuse.
Wisconsin. and Georgetown, participate
ing annually In the event.
They Expect to Win.
Yes. it was frankly admitted by the
Navy Department and by the authori-
ties at Annapolis that they expected
their crew 10 rank well TO the fore In |
me big varsity race. for the United l
states Government once II makes a I
move does 1t well and in the case Of her |
two preparatory crews the one for the 4
navy and the other for the army. she I
desires 10 show that she fits her proteges
as we'll physically as mentally, as well /
as 90 the big universities and colleges |
of this land
Such being the conditions under which
Annapolis enters the race II Is well to /
consider how her. appearance will af-
iect matters at Poughkeepsie and how
her sons are prepared for the contest,
Tor IN going 10 PoUghkeepsie she has de-
clded to have her Oarsmen live upon
houseboat, truly splendid custom and
a new one among American coIleglans
IN her preparation for this race she has
followed line far different from that
IN vogue at the six other colleges.
President to Attend.
Her entry also carries with it great i'm
portance, for 1t will bring TO the regatta
LOT the nrst time since he became Presi-
dent. Theodore Roosevelt. a matter of (
Importance when It is remembered that {
the President is not a graduate OF any 1
OF the institutions represented.
The Navy Department will permit the Il
entire body Of midshipmen to appear at
Poughkeepsie on the day Of the regatta
10 view the races from three United 7
states monitors-the Nevada, FLORIDA |
and Arkansas. l
Then there are the eight men IN tho |,
boat 10 consider splendid physically and I
me fellows, especially the captain. Mid :
shipman Ingram. a young man to stroke :,
and lead an eight i'm such a strenuous I
life, yet one WHO has fitted himself we'll
Tor II, and whose record in athletics Is :
forever lasting in the hearts of navy
men, because one day last November 4
at Franklin field, University Of Pennsvl- /,
Nanla, he made a long and wonderful z
run through the entire West Point foot n
ball team for the touchdown that was so b
much needed to win the day for Navy Y
against its rivals from the Army Acs6- T
emy-by far the most thrilling play that k
football produced last year. Surely II
well schooled boy for the task which s.
rests upon his shoulders. r,
Credit to Coach Glendon. d
Then there is the coach to consider. s.
one Richard Glendon. Of the Boston /;
Athletic Association, who. in the three tc
years he has been in charge Of rowing -
az Annapolis, has raised its standard to A
me foremost rank-a record which A
marks MN as the man for the position n
ne occupies The coaching launch, the OF
Nancy is a typical naval concoction. | 81
Tor she is none other than a torpedo 10
boat. long ago set aside for this pur n
bose. -
But chief Of all side plays will be that oa
Manifested in the houseboat Everglades. tn
Hhich Col. Robert NJ Thompson. of Nevr We
OK, a knight errant OF Annapolis atb va
etics' has offered for the occasion. This ar
loating home will be anchored near OF
ne boathouses which are temporarily III
INSTRUCTED by the regatta committee n,
or the crews. and an overhang will no tn
uilt TO accommodate the entire mart, da
Z oarsmen. managers. and servants ,rs
pon it will live these men during the NC
wo weeks stay. ;
arsmen Naturally DeveIoped ye
wa
After all has been said about the side wa
'sues, interest centers in Annapolis' Pc
owing and this years crew. for unon co,
he speed OF this years eight are The va
Of Annapolis backing. a sneed est
'hich is more the outgrowth OF the wa
stem Of physical training at Annapolis Fl
han OF anything else. 10
10 get at this matter in the proper viz
ay the best course Is 70 take the ~
sader to the Naval Academy with the he