DATE: Friday, May 2, 1997                   TAG: 9704300192

SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS     PAGE: 12   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY PAUL WHITE, CURRENTS SPORTS EDITOR 

                                            LENGTH:   42 lines

NEXT YEAR'S CREW CLASSIC MAY LOOK A LITTLE DIFFERENT CHANGES ARE BEING CONSIDERED TO MAKE THE EVENT A STRONGER OFFERING TO TEAMS.

Mild weather, competitive races and enthusiastic support contributed to a strong Crawford Bay Crew Classic last weekend, but organizers are planning an even more successful event next year.

Among the changes in the works for the eighth annual rowing regatta:

An improved field. Discussions are under way with powerful teams from Virginia, and the Coast Guard Academy. Duke, Drexel and Richmond are also being courted.

An earlier start date. Moving the regatta from mid-March to late April delivered the hoped-for favorable weather, but the later date conflicted with other races and some schools' exam periods. Look for next year's Classic to be held in late March or early April. Such a move would also mean the Classic would be among the first races of the year, an attractive selling point.

A two-tiered approach. Strong schools would compete against each other and smaller schools would square off in a separate division to allow everyone to be competitive.

A strong push to solicit the support of Old Dominion University alumni. Organizers were chagrined to see William & Mary beat out ODU for the Best School Spirit award. ``It's sad that ODU is right here in our own back yard, with more alumni in this area, and yet doesn't show that much school spirit here,'' said Bob Chauncey, chairman of the Classic's tailgate party. ``Their alumni just don't come out and support this thing the way you think they should.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photos by MARTIN SMITH-RODDEN

Towson State University's men's varsity crew team relaxes just after

crossing the finish line first. Next year, the competition may be

changed to two tiers, allowing stronger schools to compete against

each other.

The Olde Towne Crew puts their boat in near Portside before their

race on Saturday.

Send Suggestions or Comments to webmaster@scholar.lib.vt.edu