behindtheshed
Billy Sheehan (19)
Who do shore have returning?
I think it's timely to point out that no boy can ever be said to be "returning" to the 1st VIII until he is actually selected. They are returning to rowing, sure; they were in the 1st VIII last season, yes; but every season each individual must compete with that year's cohort.
While my gut feeling tells me that it should make a difference how many of a crew have already rowed in a top crew before, I wonder if anyone on this forum has been able to examine those stats and say for sure that it's an advantage (other than psychological). I'll happily while away my days in retirement doing just that, but if we have to wait that long then it will only be ready in time for the 2033 HOTR. Maybe one of you has already poked around the results for this? Likewise the claim that the best crew at the start of the season will probably take the title at the end - gut instinct says that's probably true, but can anyone assure us that the stats back it up?
Regarding the whole cattle/coaches issue, I refer you to my lengthy rants about this on the 2015 thread. To truly excel, you need the perfect storm of coach, "cattle" and culture all present in the shed at once. I've coached a variety of sports and extra-curriculars over many years. If you have a talented group, you can push them to achieve and have a lot of success - with the right coaching method - but only if that quest is supported financially and "in spirit" by the whole school culture. I won't repeat myself any more: saving the rest for my Ph.D.