1. I think that Shaun may have a better point in questioning why a school decides to attend a tournament that means nothing in one location and one that qualifies for Nationals in another. This is not about IFT performance, but rather about trying to avoid a (perceived) tougher field. This is definitely not the only reason a school would choose to do this. I've personally gone a few times while at Princeton to the IFT (then CCT) in one region and the SCT in another simply because of the location of the tournament. For example, my junior year, the Northeast CCT was up in Boston (I believe, or at least far away somewhere) and the Mid-atlantic was at GWU. GWU is a one-day trip for us, whereas Boston would require us going up the day before and spending more on the van with all the mileage. Thus, we went to the Mid-Atlantic CCT. However, the Northeast SCT was at Columbia, which is possibly the closest and most accessible tournament we've ever had the opportunity to attend, requiring minimal time and cost. Thus, we went to the Northeast SCT. Strength of field was not a consideration, and never has been during my time at Princeton (although since Larissa became a real active player last year and her family loves hosting us at their house, we are more inclined to schlep up to Boston :)). I'm sure that hasn't changed in the last few months (although Barbara might want to tell me if that's true or not, since I am no longer affiliated with Princeton College Bowl ;-)). I'm sure we weren't the only team to be situated right on the "border" between two regions and have to make the same decisions based on time and cost rather than field strength. Steve Lawrie
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