The Classic Spring Trip: Vacationing at 'The Rock'

While most of us are looking forward to spending our spring break in such mundane places as Daytona Beach or back home with the folks in Oshkosh, there are still a few hardy souls in our midst with a little imagination.

In an effort to be original, the Harvard Classics, that little known and oft misunderstood basketball club, will travel to (of all places) Gibraltar over vacation.

Senior Glenn Parsons thought that the beaches and sun-bathing were definite reasons for choosing Gibraltar, but he also noted, "We were looking for a basically off the wall vacation. Besides, its free."

Supply and Demand

Tim Carey, another Classic who wished to remain anonymous, said simply, "We've exhausted the supply of women in Cambridge and have to go abroad for more."

The Classics' coach, John Harvey, secured his team's invitation to the British protectorate and naval station through personal contacts and the Gibraltar Basketball Federation's eagerness to host an American team.

"We're going over there to further the cause of international good will through sports, and also to put on basketball clinics for foreign players and coaches." Harvey said.

He added that his squad will play in a five day round-robin tournament against teams from Gibraltar, Morocco, and Britain.

The hospitality of the federation made the trip possible. By providing housing and meals for the teams, the federation reduced the club's outlay to just airfare.

Harvey said that in return, the Gibraltans asked his team to bring instructional basketball films and to participate in a coaching clinic.

The Classics spring trip has become a ritual for the team. In past years the Classics have travelled to Portugal and Puerto Rico.

This year's trip will also briefly take the Classics to Lisbon, Tangiers, and Casablanca, along with the main visit to "The Rock."

"I'm really excited about going," Pete Clancy, another member of the team, said yesterday. "I can't wait to see those 8mm films the coach is bringing.