So the process of sifting and shifting to find the right combination will continue. It is something only a crew coach can understand, and even he cannot explain it to the outsider. Bolles describes the task as "something you just see, or feel, or smell," but the job is not quite as nebulous as that. It consists of trying all the possible combinations until you hit upon the one that works best, but even when it happens you never know quite why it should be that way.

Mere size is not a factor; witness Frank Cunningham, the great 160-pounder who stroked the 1946 boat, or Ollie Filley, who stroked that 1947 Jayvees although he weighed only 155.

Many Factors

Age doesn't make the difference either, although an oarsman usually doesn't hit his peak of physical efficiency until his early twenties. (Bolles thinks the large number of older crewmen account for the high level of competition in postwar rowing). But Ted Anderson's presence in this year's boat seems to provide ample evidence that this rule is not infallible.

The ideal of every coach is to find eight men whose style is identical, but variations in arms, legs, and power make even this impossible. And mere physical conformity is not enough to make a crewman.

"A lot of imponderables," says Rolles sadly, "and you never have enough time that's what makes it touch."

But if its tough for Bolles, think how other coaches must feel.