Bigtime at Blodgett

For the second time in less than a week, the Boston area will serve as host to a major collegiate sports doubleheader.

Four star-studded teams. Two thrilling contests. National rankings at stake.

But the drama and intensity spurred on at the Boston Garden by last Monday's Beanpot will not come close to the excitement felt today at Blodgett Pool, when Harvard will take on Princeton's best in both men's and women's swimming battles.

In the span of five hours this afternoon, the outcome of both Ivy League swimming titles will be determined, and with a large crowd expected, there will be no lack of adrenaline among swimmers and coaches alike.

"This will be the best meet of the year, simply because the matchups between the teams are so close," said Harvard women's swimming Coach Maura Costin '80, whose squad (7-1) overall, 4-0 Ivy) will kick off the afternoon at 1 p.m. against the Lady Tigers (5-2 overall, 4-1 Ivy).

Following the women's meet comes a battle of undefeated men's teams, as Harvard (7-0, 5-0 ECAC) battles Princeton(5-0, 3-0 ECAC) to determine the Ivy LeagueChampion.

For the Crimson women, Princeton marks the lastmajor threat standing between the team and itsfirst-ever Ivy title. The Tigers, however, sport atradition of excellence, having earned five crownssince 1977.

The meet will be especially tough for theaquawomen, who are coming off anemotionally-draining meet Tuesday night atYale--in which the squad came from behind in thefinal relay to rescue victory from the clutches ofthe upset-minded Elis.

"I know that this meet will be a tough one forus, but seeing how the team enjoys rising up tochallenges, I am sure that they all will swim upto their capabilities," Costin added.

Anticipation

The excitement of the first contest, however,might be overshadowed by the anticipation of thenightcap.

In fact, some people have looked forward totoday since almost exactly one year ago, when afired-up crowd at Princeton's Dillon Pool inspiredthe Tigers to defeat Harvard, 60-53, and lay claimto last year's Ivy League Championship.

And while revenge will be in the minds of theaquamen as they emerge on deck this afternoon,Princeton--led by standouts Richard Hughes and DanVeatch--will not be willing to relinquish itscrown without a fight.

According to Harvard men's Head Coach JoeBernal, excecution will be the key to winningtoday. "Our people need to stop their key peoplein order for us to have a chance at victory,"Bernal said. "Should both teams execute properly,the meet could be one of the best swum here inyears."

Between the two meets there will be an awardsceremony honoring former Harvard men's Head CoachWilliam J. Brooks, who posted an overall record of88-33 in his 12 years of coaching from 1959-71,and in whose name the men's swimming and divingawards are given.

And while the ceremony will recognize a part ofHarvard's swimming history, by today's end a bitof swimming history might be created as well