Two Varsity Backs Quit Football Team

Junior halfbacks John Damis and John Shipman have quit the varsity football team. Their defection came suddenly yesterday, and deprived coach John Yovicsin of valuable halfback insurance for this season and the future.

Damis reportedly had talked about leaving the team for the past two years. He said yesterday his decision was based on "academic and personal reasons." Shipman, who has lost 12 lbs. this fall, cited "academic and other pressures."

In the Holy Cross game this season, Damis rushed for 38 yards in three tries for a 12.7 average. He did not carry the ball after the victory over the Crusaders. A letter winner in 1959, Shipman ran 15 times for 76 yards, a 5.1 average. This year, he lost two yards on his only rushing attempt.

Yovicsin was not available for comment.