Ted:  Thank you for taking the time to research this issue and for sharing your findings with the membership.

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From: "Riedeburg, Ted" <riedeburgt@...>
To: <FSRA@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: [FSRA]
Date: Sun, 3 Dec 2006 21:39:46 -0500

Members of the FSRA,

I did some research regarding participation in the Freshman 4+ vs. the 3^rd 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 3^rd 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 3^rd 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 Bolles School

7400 San Jose Blvd.

Jacksonville, FL  32217

(904) 424-2869 (cell)

(904) 256-5082 (boathouse)

 

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