In fact, economics and government are by far the most common majors among the athletes interviewed. Sociology and psychology were the next two concentrations named. The sciences were less popular with most of the people interviewed.

Among other courses mentioned as attended by teammates are Psychology 1, Literature and Arts A-14: Chaucer, Literature and Arts B-51: First Nights, Literature and Arts C-14: The Concept of the Hero in Greek Civilization, Science B-29: Human Behavioral Biology, Science B-40: The Biology of Trees and Forests, Historical Study B-42: The American Civil War 1861-1865 and Chemistry 5: Introduction to Principles of Chemistry.

While some Harvard students undoubtedly perform the simple calculus of choosing the class with the greatest differential between the CUE Guide's "subject matter" and "difficulty" entrees, many athletes disagree that classes they pursue are guts.

"It is more important that a class is good, rather than it is a gut," Black said. "Maybe our team is kind of nerdier though."

Still, most athletes, just like the rest of the students, have as their top priority the goal of receiving a quality education at Harvard. Furthermore, just because a class is labeled a "gut," a higher grade does not automatically follow.

Overall, while there is a noticeable trend among athletes to take some relatively simple courses and to make their lives easier by having teammates in their classes, this is certainly not an absolute conclusion. For some, the team is no more than just another source of friends, on par with their House, a drama group or PBH.

"We take classes together occasionally," said men's basketball captain, David Demian. "But I do that with my other friends, too."