Determination and spirit have made the Radcliffe crew an international rowing power. Winners of the Canadian Henley Regatta, they are bound for the European Championships, to be held in Moscow August 23-26.
In Moscow, the Cliffie eight will face strong, experienced crews from East Germany and Russia. "The Russians are big, fast and for two years unbeaten," said Radcliffe coach John Baker yesterday. "The Russians don't invite you to win, they invite you to compete," he added.
Two other American crews, the Vesper and Long Beach Rowing Clubs, will compete in the European Championships.
Last June the Radcliffe squad walked away with the National Championships held in Cambridge, and since then the women have achieved a near perfect record.
At the Canadian Henley held July 28 on St. Catherine's Lake in Ontario, the Cliffies covered the 1000 meter course in near record time, leading the competition to an easy victory.
On August 12 the squad will depart for seven days of training in Nottingham, England, and will arrive in Moscow on August 20.
Funds for the trip have been donated by parents, friends, and the Harvard Board of Overseers. "We've had great support from the Harvard rowing community," said Baker. "Coach Harry Parker's been great, and the Friends of Harvard Rowing chipped in some money, too," he added. The trip will cost between $10,000 and $12,000.
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