COACH OR CAPTAIN.

WHILE in town a few days ago the writer heard much dissatisfaction expressed by a graduate who is prominent in boating matters, on the withdrawal of the late coach of the University Crew. He stated very positively that no better coach could be had in this country, and that the College would suffer very much by losing him.

This opinion is no doubt a just one, and will be concurred in by most undergraduates; but on reviewing all the circumstances connected with the case, it is evident that the resignation of either coach or captain was unavoidable. By the method of training pursued at Harvard, a coach is not given absolute authority over the crew; he is a trainer and an adviser. The responsibility therefore rests as much upon the captain as if there were no coach at all.

Under these circumstances, when there is a difference of opinion between the coach and the captain, the latter naturally wishes the decisive word, as in case of mistake the blame will fall upon him, and though ready to abide by his own mistakes, he naturally does not care to be responsible for those of another. This has been the cause of separation between the crew and the late coach. The latter insisted upon a measure which the captain believed to be wrong; he was therefore obliged to choose between rejecting the directions of the coach and retaining his own method, or accepting a measure which he believed would prove a mistake, and for the failure of which he would be responsible. He naturally chose the former course, and the result has been the withdrawal of the coach. It is evident from this that either captain or coach should be invested with full authority and responsibility by the Boat-Club. No person cares to undergo the trouble of coaching a crew unless he can have everything to his own satisfaction; and no captain wishes to give up his authority over a crew, unless he is relieved of responsibility at the same time.

Another point in this connection was mentioned in a late Crimson. If the graduates are to influence or to take part in our boating affairs, it is only right that they should take their place on the subscription list. At Yale, graduates supply about one half the funds necessary to support their crew. Why should our graduates be less generous?

B. T.