Winthrop House Will Meet Smith In Crew Contest

Integration of the sexes at Harvard will move one step closer this afternoon when the Winthrop House crew comes to grips with eight oarswomen from Smith College at 2:30 p.m. on the Charles River.

Because of a Smith regulation forbiding direct competition with male schools, the men from Winthrop "will probably row with them, rather than against them." Each shell will consist of four Puritans and four Sophians. If the two schools should race against each other, however, "there is no doubt who would lose. It's brain over brawn in this sport," according to referee Blake Dennison.

Racing together will present some problems, since Smithie rowing form is quite different from that of the Winthrop oarsmen. The girls from Northhampton use a one-two-three-four stroke with each part a distinct motion, in contrast to the continuous Crimson stroke.

David E. Owen, Master of Winthrop House, welcomed the sporting event, declaring, "We would like to have intellectual relations with Radcliffe, social relations with Wellesley, and athletic relations with Smith." The girls will be treated to dinner at the House tonight.