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Members of the FSRA,
I did some research regarding participation in the Freshman 4+ vs.
the 3rd 8 over the last 8 years and it is very interesting.
First of all, I was extremely disappointed when the decision was
made to eliminate the F4 from the state championship, and event that Bolles has
had some success in – 3 state championships over that time. And
coming from a 2A school, I feel that is a great accomplishment. What I
like about the Frosh events is that it makes for an exciting race and evens the
playing field. They are boats comprised of kids of the same age and
ability – anyone’s game if you will. By eliminating the 4
event, you take away that excitement from the smaller programs and only allow
the larger programs that can put together a competitive boat – which
don’t necessarily need the success at a young age - to spread the
excitement of rowing in their school. And, since the elimination of the
novice events in the 2003 race, the F4’s have remained consistent while
the 3rd 8’s have only increased by one or two entries (in 2005
and 2004, Winter Park represented two boys entries and in 2005 Winter Park had
two girls boats in that race).
So, I have compiled a small spread sheet (see attached) showing the
entries over the last 8 years, and you will see consistent entries (and more
for that matter) in the Freshman 4+ event and ups and downs in the 3rd
8, even after the novice entries were eliminated. After looking at this,
maybe you too not understand why the decision was made to eliminate an event
that has been consistently well represented by schools of all sizes over one
that only a few larger programs can enter.
Also, in regards to the “new regatta decisions” I was under
the impression that they would present an idea to the FSRA group and we would
be able to vote on it – I didn’t think this was going to be a final
draft presented to us from the regatta committee. Did I miss something at
the meeting? I was pretty sure I heard a discussion about voting via email
or reconvening before the spring season.
Regards,
Ted Riedeburg
Head Coach – Bolles Rowing
The
(904) 424-2869 (cell)
(904) 256-5082 (boathouse)
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