Locke’s ascension to the 1V was a swift one. Having rowed for the British team at Junior Worlds twice—once in an eight and once in a coxless four—an already-seasoned Locke took on a prominent role in 2008 on a freshman eight that won the EARC Sprints and took third at nationals. The following year, a spot on the varsity eight was secured, and he sat in the seven seat in every race.

“The one thing that I can point out about Anthony that is pretty unique is the way he treats the sport,” heavyweight captain Blake Pucsek says. “He’s very passionate about it...He always wants to do well for the sake of the program and not just to beat up on the other crew.”

Anderson also arrived at Harvard with experience in international waters, having also raced at Junior Worlds twice. But after his freshman year with the Crimson, Anderson needed a break from the sport that he had devoted much of his life to since he was 13.

“It seemed like the right time to take off,” Anderson says. “It was a good choice for me.”

Apparently so. Anderson returned to the team his junior year and impressed immediately, earning a spot for himself on the top boat.

Pucsek, who grew up minutes away from Anderson, marvels at the renewed drive his teammate displayed when he came back.

“What was neat for me was...seeing Richard with the same kind of drive he had when we were younger and still learning the sport,” Pucsek says.

Now Anderson and Locke begin anew, hoping a successful fall translates into an even better spring. But while their eyes are set firmly ahead, the Head of the Charles—with its thousands of spectators and international flavor—just may evoke memories of their formative Worlds experiences, albeit without the pressure, and possibly without the cat noises or Ray-J.

“It’s a giant competition, but it’s very friendly,” Anderson says. “To me, it’s more of a spectacle than a regatta.”

—Staff writer Loren Amor can be reached at lamor@fas.harvard.edu.