Evening star., 1909-02-15
CHALLENGES GEORGETOWN.
Middies Want to Race With Preps
and Freshmen.

Manager Benson of the Navy crews, In
letters to Manager Daley Of the George
town freshmen and Manager OConnor
of the preps, received by the latter men,
toned yesterday, asks for races between
the two Blue and Gray eights and two
Of the Vaval Academy crews. In beth
cases the matter Of selecting a date was
left open, but 1t was suggested that some
Saturday in April or early May would
best suit the Middies.
The matching of the crews. according
to the plans of the Annapolis manage
ment, would be Navy plebes VS.. George
town preps. and either the second or
third Navy varsity against the local
freshmen. Capt. Ryan Of the Blue and
Gray colts spoke very favorably Of the
project when seen yesterday and said
that nothing could suit him better than
to have the race brought about. 1t Is
doubtful, though, whether such will be
the case. since the preps are allowed but
one trip a year. this being taken by the
annual expedition to the American Hen
ley. where they row in the event for in
terscholastic eights. AS the Philadel-
pha race is of greater Importance to the
preps than the Annapolis one. possibly
could be, there is little chance for the
embryo collegians going to the Maryland
capital this year.
With the freshmen. however. it is diff
done regarding trips by the management
Of the first year men. it is believed. never
theless. that the same rules will apply to
them as have always applied to the var
sity and that they will thus be given per-
mission to go to both Annapolis and Phil
adelphia. But should they finally decide
to race navy crew. Capt. Cunniff will
insist that the opposing eight be the mid
shipments first year bunch. since he sees
no reason in matching up a second OF
\ l,{rI orcifH, NTH
tending that there would be more honor
In defeating the Annapolis first classmen
than either of the reserve eights.
If such race is finally brought about
there is every reason to believe that ii
will be close and hard fought Coach
Glendon Of the Middies has a husky
bunch Of candidates to pick his 1912 crew
from and he also has the best Of equip
ment for practicing. something that
brings benefit which cannot be over
estimated.
The local youngsters are also showing
up to excellent advantage on the ma
chimes. When Coach Vail arrives they
will Immediately go on the water. when
it will only be a short time before their
true ability will be shown. But. judging
from comparison with the varsity and
prep boats of last year, this season 8
freshman eight should be plenty strong
and speedy enough to travel in fast COM
pany.
There will probably be some difficulty
with the Navy over arranging the dis
tance to be rowed. since the Admirals train
for two knots. while the locals prepare
for the Henley distance Of mile and a
third. 1t is thought. however, that this
obstacle can be removed, for either side
will probably agree to mile and a half
course.
The date which Is most agreeable to the
Georgetown freshies is May 1. This
would be three weeks before the Phila
delphia regatta and would thus make it
possible tor a match in between times
against one of the Potomac crews Moth
ing, however, will be done in the matter
until the arrival of Coach Vail. who is
expected to report before March l.