Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-16
VAIL REFUSES GEORGETOWN.
Crew Coach Chooses to Go to Ariels
Of Baltimore.

Like a bolt of lightning out OF a clear
sky came the announcement to the
Georgetown rowing enthusiasts yesterday
that Harry Vail, coach Of last years
varsity eight, had turned down the offer
of a follower Of the Blue and Gray who
was endeavoring to get his services for
the Props and Freshmen this year Hard
ly a month has passed since the hopes
Of the hilltop devotees Of aQuatics were
raised to a high pitch by letter from
this outsider. who refuses to divulge his
name. stating that he had received as
surances from the Cambridge sculler that
the latter would be more than willing to
look after the Props this spring. adding
that II 1t was permissible the expenses
Of the coach would be paid by q friend
of the university.
The management of the Props. to whom
the offer was made. lost no time In ac-
cepting. and later word from their bene,
factor stated that Vail would be on hand
to take charge Of the men March /. This
was the last heard of the matter until
yesterday. when Capt. Ryan OF the en-
bryo collegians received message from
a letter from Vail. which stated that he
had accepted a better offer from the
Ariel Boat Club of Baltimore and would
take up his duties there Thursday of this
week The message from the George
town follower was to the effect that he
Vail in regard to salary, but that he
had expected an agreement to be reached
soon. He expressed surprise at the Cam
bridge mans action in signing with the
Ariels without first letting him know OF
the expected step.
The losing of Vail. however, does not
mean that the Georgetown men will not
have a coach, since the money which had
been subscribed toward hiring Vail has
been put at the disposal of the Prep
W
selected by the captain. Although 1t is
not likely that any one will be engaged
within week or so. the delay cannot be
long, as 1t is necessary for some one to
take charge Of the candidates Immediately
if they wish to turn out fast Fights.
OF the men suggested the most likely
man for the place is Murray Russell, who
coached the hilltop varsity two years
ago. Russell also rowed at Georgetown.
having been captain of one OF the best
Fights ever turned out by the institution.
He is at present an inferno In the Prov
idence Hospital, but 1t is believed that
his duties will not be SO many that he
cannot get an hour or so day to spend
teaching the oarsmen their lessons in
sweep-handling. An offer will be made to
him either today or tomorrow.
In case Russell cannot be secured the
Blue and Gray management has two or
three other good ones in view. 1t will not
be surprising to see them get Bill New
man. thvarsity foot ball coach, down for
a couple of months. The instructor of
pigskin stunts is considered one Of the
best sweeps in the country. having rowed
bow on Cornell for two years. His work
for the Ithicans was Of such caliber that
he was chosen for a place on the all
American boat, which was to go to the
London olympiad. but did not on account
of a mix-up over the selection OF the
eight.
Then there is Cavario, one of the
strongest oarsmen ever seen at George
town. He has not done much aquatic
work since leaving school but even at
that the laws OF form drilled into him
by Pat Dempsey. who was big chief in
We olden days. are still In Cavario's mind
and could be utilized to advantage In In
structing the youngsters on the hill.
Some of the students have tried to fix
it so that Dempsey himself could again
| take charge, but rs the great coach has
already been signed by the Potomacs this
is impossible. Nevertheless. 1t Is certain
that somebody will be secured without
delay. as the Props and Freshies are
both anxious to get down to real work
Both crews suffered setbacks yesterday
on account of men leaving the rowers to
play base ball. Wymard of the 1912
squad and Kerwin Of the Props deserted
the ranks Of the galley slaves and will
hereafter follow the call of the ball and
bat AS the two of them were excellent
men at the water sport their places will
| be hard TO NIL.