All concept II wanted to do was build a better oar. but instead, its radical new oar design has generated waves of controversy.

Coaches and rowers have debated the merits of technology since the beginning of the season, but now athletic directors seem prepared to take a stand on the issue.

Athletic directors of the universities participating in the Eastern Sprints plan to vote this week on a proposal which would limit the availability of the oars to varsity crews during the regatta.

Reactions among the Harvard and Radcliffe crew programs are mixed.

"I think it's a good idea," Harvard heavyweight Coach Harry Parker said. "It's too much to ask everybody to change over just to be competitive."

Radcliffe heavyweight coach Liz O'Leary thinks differently.

"I don't think it will pass," she said.

The athletic directors are expected to vote sometime midweek.

While it has never been scientifically proven that the new technology actually increases boat speed, crew programs across the country are purchasing the oars in droves and rowers seem to like them.