Race Commentary
July 26, 2004 – After one month of the Class of'86 Boathouse Fundraising
Challenge, all I have to say is: WE HAVE A BOAT RACE, PEOPLE!
Over the last four weeks, the standings have been dramatically altered. However, still leading and opening some water is the Class of '68. These ancient mariners are working hard to dispel the notion that the younger classes have an edge in winning points awarded for number of donors. But at this point in the race, one must ask if these oldsters can remember the names of any more long-forgotten classmates. Have these wily veterans used some old school razzmatazz to get a jump in the first 500 meters before fading quietly into the night?
Making a strong play to get on the medal platform has been the Class of '83, which moved up from fourth to a tie for second. They are tied with the Class of '70, another grizzled class of hammers from the era when the rowers had to grease up their behinds to move back and forth. The wheel was invented soon after the '70's graduated which opened the door for the sliding seat, easing the path for the following generations. The question for the Class of '70 after they've opened the door to the Class of '83, is: who's next?
The single most impressive move this month was by the Class of '79 which catapulted ten spots to number nine. All I can say to this assault on the Top Ten from '79 is: ma ma ma My Sharona! This class has the Knack to Ring My Bell when they get Reunited. I mean this is a move that is Hot Stuff and Good Times all rolled into one. But before those Le Freak's from '79 get too full of their Do Ya Think I'm Sexy, we're Too Much Heaven selves, remember, dear friends, that disco had it's moment in the sun for just a brief period. Is the Class of '79 a Fire that burns too hot, too soon? Or will you continue your move up the chart singing Good Times down at the Y.M.C.A. near MacArthur Park?
One class of young alums making a strong move is the Class of 2001. These precocious upstarts are hanging around the middle teens in the rankings, but word has it that they've been bolstered by an anonymous $10,000 donation. Moreover, the generous donor will match the next $5,000 donated by fellow classmates. None of that is reflected in this month's rankings. But if that commitment is matched by the rest of '01, it could prove the catalyst to get the first top ten showing by a class from the new millennium. Will they step up?
Well, it certainly has been a fun first month. Thank you all for taking an interest. We'll be updating the rankings with monthly commentary. So call your classmates and wake the neighbors! The boathouse is a reality if together we create a future as irreversible as the past.
Never Row,
Drew
