Claim: The Rowing Association of American Colleges, the first collegiate athletic organization in the United States, had an annual race between 1871 and 1876.
Evidence: The Rowing Association of American Colleges (1870 to 1894) was the first collegiate athletic organization in the United States. 1871 (July 21) 1872 1873 1874 1875 1876 Ingleside MA Springfield, MA Springfield MA Saratoga, NY Saratoga NY Saratoga NY 1877 (none) 1878 (none) Both participated in the RAAC university race from 1872 to 1875 (as Harvard did also in 1871 and 1876), and the Harvard–Yale Regatta recognizes Harvard–Yale varsity races to be incorporated in those RAAC championships.