Harvard Men’s Heavyweights Dominate Princeton to Secure the 2025 Compton Cup!

On Saturday, April 19, 2023, the Harvard men’s heavyweight rowing team had an impressive outing on Lake Carnegie. They dominated all four of their races against Princeton, ensuring they kept the Compton Cup. The team raced under favorable conditions with a steady tailwind, which helped their performance throughout the 2000-meter course.

In the biggest race, the First Varsity Eight took charge right from the start. Led by coxswain Sreetej Digumarthi and stroke Ben Scott, they finished with a time of 5:28.0, finishing three seconds ahead of Princeton’s crew, which clocked in at 5:31.0.

Following them was the Second Varsity Eight, which also showcased their strength. With coxswain Natalia Toms at the helm, they built a solid lead and finished in 5:32.4, beating Princeton, who finished in 5:36.4.

The success didn’t stop there as the Third Varsity Eight, guided by coxswain Cate Engles, maintained the momentum, finishing at 5:36.9, beating Princeton’s 5:40.8. Lastly, the Fourth Varsity Eight wrapped up the sweep, finishing at 5:43.9, ahead of Princeton’s fifth and fourth varsity boats, which finished at 5:52.7 and 5:54.7, respectively.

This clean sweep highlights Harvard’s strong tradition in rowing, which has roots going back decades. Historically, Harvard has held a dominant position in collegiate rowing, often seen as a powerhouse in the sport. Such performances are not just about winning; they reflect months of hard training and teamwork.

Rowing expert and coach Mike Pearce notes that events like these are crucial for boosting team morale and building confidence. “A win against a rival like Princeton is integral,” he explains. “It shows the athletes their hard work pays off, and it sets the tone for future competitions.”

This victory holds significance as Harvard prepares to face Navy and Penn on April 26, 2023. Winning against rivals not only strengthens team chemistry but also fuels the drive to perform at an even higher level in upcoming races.

With this kind of performance, the Harvard men’s heavyweight rowing team proves that they are not just competing; they are setting the stage for a successful season ahead. As fans and supporters, let’s keep cheering them on as they aim for more victories on the water.



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