The Montlake Cut will be the site of one of the most historically rich events in Washington sports this weekend when the Husky crews host the UC Berkeley.

On the men's side, the two teams have been meeting in this dual race for more than 100 years, long before there was such a thing as the Pac-10 conference. This also marks the 30th year that the women's crews have raced.

Adding to the significance of this weekend's race is the fact that the men's varsity eights of Washington and Cal are Nos. 1 and 2 in the nation, respectively, with the UW placing first in the Collegiate Coaches' Poll for the fifth week in a row.

"This race is one of the oldest traditional sporting events on the west coast," UW men's coach Bob Ernst said. "It's even more special this year. Cal is the defending national champions, and they can't be pleased that Washington is ranked No. 1."

Cal is also the defending Pac-10 champion, having won the conference title three years in a row.

The race will feature many rowers from the area, as both Cal and the Huskies have recruited athletes from the Pacific Northwest to fill their boats. In addition to rowers from Washington and the Seattle area, many Huskies in recent years have come from Canada — Vancouver, British Columbia, in particular. Three of the rowers who will be in the Huskies' varsity eight boat Saturday rowed with the Canadian gold medal-winning national team last year, along with three of the rowers from the Cal team, making for an interesting dynamic this weekend.

"The Canadians have got a little thing going," Ernst said. "It will be an interesting group."

In the women's varsity eight race — known as the Simpson Cup after former Cal rower Anne Simpson and her parents — Washington has won in 13 out of the past 13 years, but the Bears have been victorious the past three years.

Ernst expects this weekend to provide compelling action for home fans.

"Both Cal and Washington have outstanding crews this year," he said. "This is going to be one of the most exciting races ever."

Reach reporter Risa Pavia at sports@thedaily.washington.edu.