Harvard's varsity heavyweight crew began its 1975 season by ending it. In once convenient swoop at the San Diego Invitational Crew Classic held last Saturday, the Crimson cleaned all major aspirants to their national championship title.
In last year's battle to the top, Harvard followed a blitzkrieg strategy. The Crimson heavies did not race in San Diego, but remained close to home coolly picking off their East coast contenders one by one and by record margins.
It was not until June that Harvard pursued the only two non-Eastern hopefuls, blasting both Western Sprints winner Washington and Intercollegiate Rowing Association winner Wisconsin on each of their home waters.
Frustrated Contenders
But on Saturdays the Crimson frustrated all Western contenders leasing last year's winner Washington Wisconsin and several California crews as well in its wake.
Harvard below off the line sprinting to a one length lead over Washington by the 500 meter mark. Though the Crimson dominated the 2000 meter bout it was unable to move more than a couple of extra seats on Washington for the duration of the race.
Though Harvard finished over five seconds--a head of second place Washington, many will contend that such an early win is inconclusive. But an examination of early season handicaps only lends greater significance to the Harvard victory
The Crimson's fast but too steadfast last 1500 meters may reflect the squads lack of conditioning Washington had been on the water since early February more than one month longer than Harvard. The California crews were able to work out on the water all winner.
Likewise, Harvard coach Harry Parker only thawed his varsity line-up in California a mere four days before the race. As the crew rows longer together its speed is bound to increase.
To end all doubts, Washington and fourth-place-finishing Wisconsin will have another stab at Harvard and the national championship title later this season. Wisconsin, which was also at a training disadvantage in San Diego, will be an even greater challenge to Harvard at the Eastern Sprints in May at Princeton.
In June, Harvard will host a rematch with Washington in New London. And between now and then every crew in the East will be taking often not so pot shots at Harvard's crown.
J.V Depleted
But it one thing was conclusive it was that the days of an undefeated J. V. are finally gone In San Diego, it was clear that Harvard's depleted ranks and plague of injuries had taken its toll on the squad's depth.
The Crimson J.V. finished almost four seconds behind Washington suffering as first defeat in four straight years The loss which put a damper on the varsity victory was the first since Harvard's J V finished second at the Eastern Spring in 1971.
When asked what Harvard's goal was for the season one squad member replied last week, as only a Harvard oarsman would, that it was "not to lose." As both Harvard eights learned in San Diego last weekend, it might prove harder "not to lose" than it would be to win.
