Harry Parker, Harvard heavyweight coach and coach of the 1972 Olympic silver-medalling U.S. eight, was asked to coach the first U.S. women's national team by the Olympic Women's Rowing Committee, informed sources said Saturday.
In the past, U.S. women's representatives to international rowing competitions were determined by racing trials held early each summer.
Parker is the leading proponent of the national team concept whereby rowers compete individually for spots in composite crews. He coached the first men's national camp, but said that he is still undecided as to whether he will accept the two-year position as women's coach.
John Baker, Radcliffe crew coach, said yesterday that he "would love to see" Parker accept the offer. "It would be a real boost to the respectability and recognition of women's rowing in this country," he said.
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