Cornell Poses Biggest Challenge To Five Undefeated Boats in Sprints

Seventy-one crews are entered in tomorrow's sprint championships of the Eastern Association of Rowing Colleges in Worcester; one is a sure winner.

The myth which has fabricated competition for Harry Parker's Crimson varsity was exploded last Saturday when Harvard left Navy five-and-a-half lengths in its wake. Cornell, whom many expected to challenge the Crimson, had beaten Navy by less than one length the week before.

The only real challenge for the Crimson's varsity is the course record of 5:54.4. They have approached that mark in the first 2000 meters of two of their mile and three quarters races earlier this season. If the varsity raises its stroke for the shorter sprint distance the record may be obliterated.

The J.V. heavyweight race should be another rout. M.I.T. and Navy are seeded second and third, and they both disappeared behind the Crimson's second boat during regular season competition.

The J.V. boat is also undefeated for the season. With six senior oarsmen in the varsity, the junior varsity will be out to demonstrate that Harvard's heavyweight dynasty is just beginning.

The freshmen should provide the only close heavyweight contest. Cornell is seeded first primarily on the basis of last Saturday's four-length victory over Yale, but the Crimson has entered an undefeated boat that should not be overlooked.

In the lightweight varsity race, Cornell has been made the favorite over the undefeated Harvard eight. With six men back from last year's Eastern Sprint Champions, the Committee felt that Cornell deserved the favorite's role. By comparative times, however, the Crimson is just as fast.

Harvard's lightweights normally row a higher stroke than Cornell's eight. With the benefit of a tailwind, they could sustain the high stroke for the full 2000 meters and beat Cornell. If the wind blows the other way, it will be impossible to sustain a high stroke and the Crimson will be forced to row at Cornell's pace.

Cornell is a clear favorite in the J.V. lightweight division. They have beaten second seeded M.I.T. by better than two lengths. No one has come within two lengths of Harvard's freshmen lightweights during the season, making them the obvious choice.

The races start with trial heats at 8:45 a.m., but wait till a more reasonable 4 p.m. The six finals have been scheduled at fifteen minute intervals, with the varsity heavies rowing to victory at 5:15 p.m.