By Bob Jaugstetter.
Eighty members strong, the Tulane crew overwhelmed the entries from six other universities at the Head of the Red Regatta in Shreveport. Sixteen Green Wave crews raced in nine events, winning eight and placing second or third as well in five of the events they double entered. Fourteen of sixteen crews won medals.
More notable than the winning percentage was the margin of victories, led by the men's lightweight four and their three minute, thirty-four second win. Tulane won five of the events by more than two minutes.
As the squad sets its goals for success at the southeastern and national levels, the dominance over area crews was a good, and necessary, first sign. The men's program seems poised to build on last year's outstanding season with a large and talented influx of freshmen. A solid returning base of varsity members who clearly worked very hard over the summer to return in excellent shape looks to improve on the fourth place finish at the "non-scholarship" nationals and ninth at the overall nationals.
The varsity women's squad is rebuilding more rapidly than expected from last season's disappointing results and is rowing better and working harder than in recent years. Add to the mix a good turnout of novice women who are showing promise of speed to come, and the entire program looks to be on target after a month of operation.