Harvard: Even if the Crimson cannot catch the two favorites, it should have quite a few contenders for individual titles. Besides Berkoff, who should dominate the backstroke events, Harvard has Co-Captain Keith Kaplan, the defending Eastern champion in the 50 freestyle.

Sophomore Paul Watson took both of the backstroke races last year, Ken Johnson should be a factor in the 1650 freestyle and the breaststroke crew of Jon Manson, Al Wolf and Joe Zumpano could score in those events. Freshmen to watch are Sumner Anderson, Chris Kovacs, Tom Peterson and Kevin Williams.

Other teams who could play strong roles in the meet are Pittsburgh (last year's fourth-place squad), Brown (fifth), Army, Navy and Columbia.

LaSalle senior Jeff Gershe is the only other returning champion, winning the gold medal in the 1650 freestyle in 1988.

This is the third time that the Eastern Championships have been held at Blodgett since 1978. In 1979 and 1986 at its home pool, the Crimson came away with the team title.

For the first time, included in the meet are two shorter relays--the 200 freestyle and medley relays. These will be contested in addition to those from past meets: the 400 medley, 400 freestyle and 800 freestyle relays. This change corresponds to a similar alteration in the NCAA Championship format.

No matter what the result, the Eastern Championships promises to be three days full of fast-paced swimming and exciting finishes. And possibly an American record or two