From there on in, the Crimson bettered its previous year's accomplishments by setting a school record for dual victories, as it went 13-1 overall and 8-1 in the Eastern International Swimming League. But the Crimson did not just beat its opponents: it annihilated them, by an average margin of 101 points.

Its only blemish came against Princeton on the last day of January. The Tigers, shaved and tapered, threw all they had at the Crimson for the dual meet. Harvard, waiting till the Easterns and national tournament to peak, battled well despite the odds and fell 83-80.

"They are really rough when they're shaved and they put everything into it," sophomore Denis Sirringhaus said. "They came out swinging."

The big meet, however, came two weeks later at the Eastern Championships held at Princeton. It was here where the culmination of months of competition came together and the Crimson rose to its greatest height.

The first day was highlighted by junior Michael Kiedel's record-breaking performance in the 200 freestyle. His time of 1:37:02 shattered both the Eastern and DeNunzio Pool record.

Junior Eric Matuszak's winning performance in the 100 freestyle (44.62), coupled with junior Dave Schwartz's victory in the 200 breast-stroke (2:00.41), increased the Crimson's lead even more.

Sirringhaus also got into the action, as his time of 15:15.77 in the 1650 freestyle--traditionally a Crimson specialty--spearheaded a one-two-three sweep of the event.

The third day epitomized the Crimson's dominance as the team stole victories in four of the day's seven events. Once again, Kiedel was in the midst of the record breaking.

Saving his best for last, the native of Germany teamed with senior Bryon Butts, Matuszak and sophomore Alex Kurmakov in the meet's final event--the 400 freestyle--to set a school, Eastern and DeNunzio Pool record with a winning time of 2:57.97.

Other winners included junior Josh Adams (200 Individual Medley), freshman Tim Martin (1000 freestyle) and sophomore Greg Wriede (400 Individual Medley).

Overall the Crimson won 11 of the meet's 21 events and never relinquished its lead during the three-day competition. In the end Princeton, more than 100 points behind Harvard, was the closest competitor.

"This was a challenging year for us, but I think that our team mentality and perseverance paid off at Easterns and NCAAs," said junior Brian Younger. "We are a national level team and people are finally starting to recognize that."

As a result of their performances at Easterns and throughout the six-month season, Matuszak, Kurmakov, Sirringhaus, Martin, Wriede, Kiedel, Younger and junior Matt Cornue all advanced to the NCAA Tournament.

Harvard once again surprised the nation by placing 18th overall at the tournament with impressive individual and relay performances.

"That was one of the things that surprised a lot of people," Sirringhaus said about Harvard's solid finish. "They didn't expect much from us. This was something that we wanted to realize."