Ice on the Charles River until late in March and rough water since then have prevented the Freshman crews from getting the early season mileage so necessary for a winning crew. As a result, with the Rowe Cup regatta only a week and a half away, Coach Harvey Love has yet to find the best eight men for the first boat.

Work on the machines and in the tank this winter has helped from out the rough points in form, but a smooth running eight like last year's Freshman boat is still many miles away.

Curwen Strokes

On the third boat before Easter vacation, Bus Curwen has finally wrested the stroke position from Harry Fowler. Dave Challinor, Jerry Prince, and Dave Glass in seven, six, and five seem pretty certain of their positions at present, but the seating in the bow four presents a ticklish problem.

Just this week Parkman replaced Carrington at four in a general shift of the first three boats, while Campbell and Jenks are deadlocked in a fight for the bow position. Cornwell seems secure at three and Richardson at two, but, again, anything can happen in the next week.

Several Henley time trials in the next ten days may possibly iron out the rough spots and get the boat swinging together, for Harvey Love is confident that when the potential power in the stern four is properly harnessed favorable results will be forthcoming. Until then it is a gamble all the way.

Abbot Strokes 150-lb Boat

Bert Haines is confronted with a similar problem in choosing the first 150-lb. boat which must conform to weight regulations as an added worry. At present Abbott's crew has the upper hand and appears headed for the lead unless Means's eight shows something next week.

Again, chances for a major shift are in the air making for possibly a better boat, but, for the present the first crew lineup is as follows: Abbot, stroke; Gaudielle, seven; Swanson, six; Dana, five; Woodbury, four, Biddle, three; Smith, two; and Bigelow, bow.

Lack of practice in rowing together will undoubtedly tell in the first few races, but the prospective opponents have probably met with the same fate. Maybe next week's workouts and time trials will bring something to light.