All,
I would just like to throw my support behind Dan Winter's proposal for changes in the scheduling. While these changes will have very little effect on the big varsity teams, other than eliminating one qualifying regatta and expecting them to host one extra event every few years, they will have a tremendous effect on those of us who are small varsity or club level teams. Most of us operate on the edge as far as funds and leadership, with many small teams depending on students to do much of the administrative tasks. Therefore, the return has to be worth the effort. While W&M has yet to qualify for the America, like many other small teams.....it is ALWAYS our goal. One we will achieve. To be in a final qualifier in the spring, in which we know we need to finish in the top three (not ninth or 10th), is a big mental boost. Also, for our development and moral, it would be good to have a chance of winning an event with such importance!!!! While we always want to have a shot at qualifying, a good example of how these restricted events can help the goal of MASIA (to encourage, to advance, and to improve sailboat racing and the sport of sailing in all its phase...) was the Leroy Grant last spring. With no "qualified" teams present, we all felt we were on the same level and each of us felt we had a chance to win the regatta. In the end, the point spread was tight and the sailing even tighter. Everyone had a great time!!! I do not think it is too much to ask. One last thing, why do you not hear the small varsity / club teams complaining? First, we are teams that are growing and want to compete. It is my understanding that many of the current large varsity teams have come from such humble roots. So, we do not want to be separated or put in some second class. However, if it is not truly fun to compete, we will lose many of our gifted sailors who have other aspirations in life. Eventually, MAISA will lose teams (and national berths). Giving a little, will earn MAISA a lot of respect and improve the level of competition overall. Plus, we will all have fun doing it!!!!! John (Doc) Griffin Coach, William and Mary Sailing Director, Program in Neuroscience Associate Professor of Biology College of William and Mary Williamsburg, VA 23187 757-221-2257 [EMAIL PROTECTED] _________________________________________________ maisa mailing list [email protected] http://www.collegesailing.org/mailman/?listname=maisa
