The Harvard men's crews are in the midst of their championship season, and one of the most important races of the year will take place on Sunday.

Both the heavyweight and lightweight crews will battle for the Eastern Association of Rowing Colleges (EARC) title in their respective divisions, on Lake Quinsigamond in Worcester.

"This is the unofficial national championship," lightweight co-captain Tom Fallows said. "It's the most prestigious regatta to win."

The EARC is made up of the eight Ivy League schools, plus Northeastern, Rutgers, Wisconsin, Syracuse, Georgetown, Navy, B.U. and MIT.

The Crimson heavyweights will have to overcome their No. 5 ranking in USRowing's most recent national poll in order to knock off No. 2 Princeton and No. 4 Penn.

"We're just hoping to give a good showing," captain Henry Nuzum said. "Obviously, we're going in to win. Princeton has been very fast all year, and we expect them to be quick. There are definitely other crews out there who are quick."

Harvard has lost to both Princeton and Penn this season.

The Crimson fell to the Tigers by two lengths--a substantial margin--three weeks ago.

"Princeton has beaten everybody by pretty significant margins," Nuzum said. " I think if we row pretty well, hopefully we can create the outcome and put the pressure on."