In the early years the Eastern schools dominated the race. Typically only a four-mile Varsity Eight race was held, but if there were enough teams entered, there was also a two-mile Freshman Eight race, and occasionally a Varsity Four race.
In the early years, the Eastern schools held a dominant position in rowing competitions.  A standard four-mile Varsity Eight race was typically organized, but if enough teams participated, there were also two-mile Freshman Eight races and occasionally Varsity Four races.