It is almost a bore to write about Harvard crew, because a long time ago the Crimson got into the habit of beating any other college crew in the country. Harvard heavyweight varsity oarsmen have not lost a collegiate race since 1963.

The question always seemed to be not whether Harvard would win, but by how much. This spring's racing was typical--there was always open water between the Crimson varsity and its nearest competition when the flag fell at the finish line.

But in a very important way, 1968 is an atypical year. From all indications, Harvard's varsity eight will represent the United States at the Olympic Games in Mexico City.

In 1964, Harvard lost to the Vesper Club of Philadelphia at the 'Olympic trials, and Vesper went on to win a gold medal for the United States at Tokyo.

But this year, it looks like Harvard will triumph at the Olympic trials which are to be held at Long Beach, Cal., July 12-14.

The Crimson main competition will probably come from the University of Pennsylvania, and to a slightly lesser extent, Vesper. West Coast crews have registered generally weak showings this year. The strongest crew on the Coast appears to be the University of Washington, and Stanford and UCLA have both come within a boat-length of Washington.

JV Penn Might

Pennsylvania has beaten Vesper by three-quarters of a length in racing this spring. Vesper even fell before the might of an extremely strong Penn JV in that regatta.

But twice this season Harvard has beaten Penn convincingly. The first time by two lengths in the Adams Cup Regatta at Annapolis, and again at the Eastern Sprints by slightly over one length.

The race which Penn rowed against Harvard at the Sprints last May 11 gives a better indication of the Crimson's relative advantage. In the Adams Cup the week before, Penn exploded at the starting line and took a lead of three-quarters of a length immediately.

But they had over-extended themselves in the attempt to break Harvard at the start, and by 500 meters gone, Harvard was coming on strong, grinding down the Penn oarsmen.

Pennsylvania followed a more cautious strategy. Harvard fell slightly back but soon recovered the lead. It was a close race even at the 1000-meter mark.

Complete Control

After that point the Crimson Eight took complete control. As the two shells pounded toward the finish line and made ready for the final sprint, it was Harvard by three-quarters of a length.

All other crews had fallen far behind as Harvard and Penn took the cadence up to 38 beats per minute, then higher to 40 and 41.