The Charles River is known for its prestigious races; Harvard, Boston University and Northeastern are three top crews that call the Charles their home course. While the collegiate battles that take place on the river hold great historical significance, there is one race in particular that brings the national teams to Boston and leaves college rivalries in the dust.

The Head of the Charles is unmistakably the most renowned head race of the fall, drawing in thousands of athletes from all over the world who compete in 52 events. Not only is the race of great importance to rowers, but it also attracts over 300,000 spectators each year who come to watch the races and enjoy events such as a music concert called "Row-a-Palooza," free food and hundreds of clothing vendors.

This weekend, the Cal men's rowing team will compete in Boston against collegiate and international elite at the Championship Eights event. In a field of 37 crews ranging from 2008 IRA champions Wisconsin to club teams from Turkey and the Netherlands, the Bears will send two boats.

Cal's varsity eight will start fourth after a fifth-place finish at the 2007 regatta (last year's winner, the U.S. National team, is not competing in the event), following the Badgers, Brown and Princeton. The junior varsity is slated to start 16th in the field.

Some of the battles that athletes face at the regatta are tough conditions on the river, the course, and other crews. The Charles River is known for its difficult twists and turns and narrow bridges. Many inexperienced coxswains often crash into other boats or into the banks of the river.

"There are lots of potential challenges such as being stuck in another boat's puddles or clashing oars with another boat," said senior and varsity-boat member William Dean. "The important thing to recognize is that all other crews have to face the same challenges, and that all we can do is trust our coxswain and focus on rowing well and pulling hard."

Headed by former U.S. Olympic coach Mike Teti, who collected a bronze medal at this year's Olympics and a gold medal in Athens in the eights events, the Bears feel well prepared with his experience both as a coach and as a rower.

"Teti brings a wealth of experience," Dean said.

Like most crews, Cal isn't concerning itself with the competition, but rather focusing on its own race.

"We aren't really thinking too much about other schools, because ultimately it's more productive to think about ourselves than worry about the competition," Dean said. "All we can do is trust our coxswain and focus on rowing well and pulling hard."

The Bears will race Sunday at 4:08 p.m. EST. Live results are available throughout the weekend at http://www.hocr.org.

Tags: CAL MEN'S CREW