Crew

The next day found us again in search of information about the spring teams, only this time snow covered the ground and the Hanover Plain resembled a scene on a Christmas card. Pulling on our boots we made our way down to the Connecticut River where we found Pete Gardner, Dartmouth's head crew coach.

The river looked calm but cold as a few flakes of snow continued to fall. Retiring to the warmth of the crew house, we watched for a few minutes while Wendall Badger, chief rigger for the crew, repaired one of three boats damaged by ice and debris this spring. Coach Gardner described the spring run-off of ice unusually long this year and treacherous.

Settling back in a chair we began to talk about the 1962 rowing season, which at that time was only one week away. On April 21 the heavyweight crew was meeting Boston University on the Connecticut River, while the 150 lb. oarsmen would tangle with M.I.T. and Yale.

The 1961 heavyweight crew failed to win a race, but this year Coach Gardner believes his '62 crew has a chance to break into the win column. Only two men are left from last year's boat, Captain Bill Gundy at stroke and Bob Quay, a two-year letterman, at the six position. Despite the lack of returning veterans, Coach Gardner describes the '62 crew as "rougher than last year's, not quite as big, but progressing faster." This statement is due in large measure to the fact that the Green will have a boat of experienced oarsmen.

With one week to go before the first race, this is how the heavyweight boat lined up: Behind Gundy at the number seven position is Steve Mueller, a Brazilian and a member of the JV boat in '61. Bob Bray ton, a sophomore from Boston, is at five. Before coming to Dartmouth he rowed with a local rowing club. At number four is Dick Briggs, a premedical student, who was out last year due to studies in Germany. He lettered, however, as a sophomore. Then at three comes Bob Baxley, a JV rower in '61. Dan Watts has earned a berth at number two after rowing for the junior varsity, and the bowman is big 6-6 Brewster Jackson. The cox is junior Bill Subin, who lettered as a sophomore.

The competition, will be just as tough as a year ago. Syracuse is second on the schedule, while such opponents as M.I.T., Brown, and Wisconsin will be faced in May.

The 150-pound crew is coached by senior Dave Haist. The starting boat for the 150s is still undecided as this is written. Currently in the running are three '64s, Eugene Lockart, Bowie Duncan, and Kent Stockton; three former heavyweight oarsmen, Pete Suttmeier, Jim Bieneman, and Tom Botsford; and four men from last year's 150-lb. crew, 1962 captain, Kent Jones, Floyd Peterson, Dan Hadlock, and Dave Mount. If the right combination of rowers can be found, the lightweight oarsmen should also show improvement.