When I read the latest Harvard Press, I was pleased to see that the Bare Hill Rowing Association had, finally, been knocked off their lofty perch. They seem to think that having two Junior National champion boats in three years, and rowers reaching the finals in the World Junior Championships the past two years—with one getting a Gold medal—is something people should respect.
I’m also appalled at BHRA’s intrusiveness, thinking that they can semi-monopolize the beach for a full 20 minutes—or more—while they launch their boats, especially during prime beach time, like those 40-degree days in April and October.
And what about the prominent display of “colors” by many rowers—has Bare Hill Pond become a suburban hangout for street gangs? Even worse, they have imported “muscle” from other towns into our pristine hamlet! We all know that the crime rate in Acton and Boxborough approaches that of Flint, Michigan—and now the BHRA wants to allow them in Harvard! Now, some apologists may say “but there’s no more than one A-B rower for every two Bromfield rowers, so it’s still a Bromfield-heavy program.” But where will it stop? It’s like a “gateway” drug. If someone does not put a stop to our Bromfield students being corrupted by Acton-Boxborough toughs, the next step might be a football team consisting of Bromfield heroes and Littleton or Maynard ruffians. I shudder at the thought.
It boils down to fundamental questions: does Harvard want to encourage interlopers from other towns, in their vicious attempts to steal our children’s birthright(s)? Because, after all, we’re Harvard, dagnabit, and who do THEY think they are, rowing on OUR Pond? It’s time we take a stand, and maintain our purity. If the so-called “rowing program” suffers greatly for it, well, “them’s the breaks.” It’s Parks and Rec’s job to protect our resources/sensibilities, not some sports program.
This vote will teach those hooligan rowers that working their tails off, and succeeding far beyond expectations doesn’t count for much!
At least, not in this town, apparently.
Richard Krause
West Bare Hill Road
