In what loomed as the men's crew team's most sterling test in its pursuit of a perfect season, 20 to 30 mile-per-hour headwinds condemned the varsity eight to only its second defeat in six races against its archrival.
Though it was a close race throughout, the Bears were never able to overcome the Crimson, who finished 5.2 seconds ahead with a time of 6:31.4 to take back the Stein Cup. However, more promising results came from the junior varsity and third varsity boats, which recorded resounding 8.3- and 9.5-second victories, respectively.
Harvard provided a gritty and composed exhibition reminiscent of the form it formerly held when it secured three straight national titles earlier this decade.
Co-captain Benjamin Harrison '07 was relatively philosophical in defeat.
"It was a difficult experience and a disappointment for us, but one that we will respond well to as a group," he said. "Our team, our commitment and our preparation are up to the task of winning a championship, and I am confident we will do just that."
Positive outcomes from Saturday's racing included the outstanding performances of the junior varsity and the third varsity boats, serving as a timely reminder that Brown has plenty in reserve.
"It felt really good to beat Harvard for the first time this spring, and it was a resounding victory that signified the culmination of all of our training," said Evan Panich '07, a member of the junior varsity boat. "I was very proud of our guys and feel confident moving forward that we are well-prepared."
New varsity stroke Sam Searle '07 was disappointed with the varsity's race but quickly recognized the squads' overall success. "(We were) disappointed in our performance and the outcome of our race but felt pride in the performance of the team as a whole," he said.
The freshman eight suffered a heartbreaking loss to Harvard by 1.5 seconds, but pulled an extremely competitive time of 6:37.5.
The Ivy League teams in the Varsity Eastern Sprints are very strong this season, with No. 5 Yale, Harvard and No. 7 Princeton all contending. In what has been a traditional danger race, the Bears will face No. 9 Northeastern University in their only home race for the 2007 campaign. Brown should be the favorite, as Northeastern was outclassed by No. 13 Boston University on Saturday. The race can be viewed from the Narragansett Boat Club on Saturday morning at 10 a.m.
