Sports History On This Day: August 3

August 3, 1852 – It was the first American intercollegiate sporting event that had ever taken place. The Harvard heavyweight rowing crew competed against their rivals Yale on Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire. Harvard triumphed by 2 lengths in over 2 miles over the Eli rowing group.

This started the competitive athletic rivalry between the two Eastern Universities. Most famously the football rivalry between the schools dates back to 1875 and is the second-oldest rivalry in college football, but as we see these two were rivals long before that.

To find more great daily sports history make sure to check out the Sports Jersey Dispatch and Pigskin Dispatch.

Harvard University Crew circa 1870-1885, by E. Berg
The photo is courtesy of Wikimedia Commons of Harvard University Crew circa 1870-1885, by E. Berg, Photographer Special thanks to the resources of Newspapers.com and OnThisDay.com for the information obtained.

Stay Up To Date With Content From The Sports History Network

    We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.
    SHN Contact

    More From Sports History Network

    Leave a Comment

    Digital $50 gift card to Homefield Apparel