Harriers Itch To Set Huskie Score Straight

The Harvard cross-country team will be out for some luscious revenge on Northeastern when the harriers race in the Greater Boston Collegiate meet today at Franklin Park.

And Doug Hardin, the Crimson's undefeated sophomore, will be out to prove officially that he is the best runner in the Boston area.

Northeastern stuffed seven men among the first nine finishers in Harvard's second meet of the year and won handily, 24-37. Hardin came in first in 23:14, 46 seconds ahead of the nearest Northeastern challenger Bob Bruen. Senior Jim Smith placed third for the Crimson in 24:09, but that wasn't enough.

The Huskies aren't the only problem the Crimson will face in defending their title. Boston University has whipped Northeastern this year and the Terriers could prove to be Harvard's main opposition.

B.U. is led by George Starkus, the G.B.C. individual title defender. Starkus is a strong runner with good early speed. The course -- much shorter than the Franklin Park layout the Crimson harriers usually run -- will work to his advantage.

Besides having trouble with B.U. and Northeastern, the Crimson harriers could have trouble with themselves. There is a possibility of a letdown after the emotionally exhausting Big Three victory last week. Another problem is that the team could be looking ahead to the important Heptagonal Championships in New York Friday.

Hardin holds the course record over the longer version of Franklin Park. He knocked nearly a minute off the old mark three weeks ago against Cornell. But today he will be facing some stiff competition.

Bill Norris of Boston College is a phenomenal miler, who, like Starkus, should feel comfortable with the shorter distance. Stan Koszubek of M.I.T. won the freshman title last year, whipping Hardin on the same course. Tufts has Bob Baldwin, another solid runner. Hardin should have his hands full.