"You have to have a fast crew to be fast," O'Leary said.

Parker, on the other hand, was enthusiastic.

"They've performed fine for us," Parker said. "The oarsmen like them, too."

Weekend Action

The Harvard heavyweight are hosting Princeton and MIT on Saturday. Parker's lineup hasn't changed from last weekend, so these eight people will probably take Harvard through the rest of the season.

The stroke will be sophomore Didzis Voldins, followed by junior Bill Cooper, junior Ethan Ayer, Senior Captain Steve Trafton, junior John Cooper, sophomore Colin Chant, Sophomore Adam Holland, Junior Lars Mellemsetrer in the bow seat and sophomore coxswain David Weiden.

While MIT is not expected to be a factor, Princeton is a quality program. [the Tigers] to be fast," Parker said.

We are prepared for [the Tigers] to be fast," Parker said.

The Black and White

The Radcliffe heavy-weights are hosting Dartmouth and Syracuse, two dark horse crews.

"It's a should-win situation," O'Leary said, "but sometimes those are the hardest."

With junior Meg Brooks out for the weekend with a pulled rib muscle, senior Jennifer Herber will row on the first boat.

O"Leary's lineup stars with junior Rachel Lerner in the stroke seat, senior Co-Captain Kristin Stoddard in the seven seat, followed by sophomore Tilde Hajek, Harber sophomore Kathryn Patton, junior Sasha Foster, senior Wendy Svatek, senior Rachel Green in bow and senior Mimi Smith in the coxswain's seat.