Class races in eight-oared boats have been rowed since the spring of 1879. Previous to this the only races besides those of the University Crew had been those of the various clubs. Interest in boating was gradually dying out when it was proposed to return to the old system of class races. Instead of rowing in six-oared boats it was decided to have eight men in the boats. The first race after this plan took place on Saturday, May 17, 1879. The entries were from the four classes in the college ('79, '80, '81, '82,) and the Law School.
Before the race the general opinion was that the Law School would win, with the Juniors ('80) second. The result was very different. '79 was followed at an interval of a few feet by '81. The Law School was third, Juniors fourth, and Freshmen last. The race between '79 and '81 was the closest ever witnessed in college.
'79's time was 9 min. 10 seconds, and that of '81 was 9 min. 10 3/4 seconds.
'82's crew at that time was made up as follows :
1. Blodgett, 148
2. Luck, 151
3. Dean, 145
4. Hoar, 145
5. Cruger, 187
6. Warren, 181
7. Chalfant, 180
8. Bartlett, 142
Average weight, 160.
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3.20 Class Safety Race.
