Trackmen to Crush Brown

Bill McCurdy's track team journeys to Providence today to take on Brown in the opening meet of the spring season. Harvard handled Brown easily, 86-23, at Briggs Cage this winter, so the outcome of the meet is hardly in doubt.

The question to be answered is whether Harvard will be able to make up for the loss of last year's stars, Tony Lynch and Chris Pardee. This winter the Crimson showed weaknesses in the hurdles and jumping events. If that keeps up, it could make the team even more vulnerable to Army in the Heptagonals and a dual meet late in the season.

Frank Haggerty seems the best bet to succeed Lynch as number one hurdler. He finished second to Lynch in the Heps intermediates last year, and has improved in the highs this winter. Andy Cahners will back up Haggerty in both hurdle races.

John Newman did a good job of filling Pardee's shoes in the high jump this winter, but his 6 ft. 4 in. is not Pardee's 7 ft. and won't place him among the East's best high jumpers. The Crimson's only healthy broad jumper of note is Tim Hatfield. But he will have to improve on his indoor efforts -- all under 22 feet -- to approach Pardee's accomplishments. Godwin Nwokoye is the leading triple jumper.

Otherwise, Harvard looks strong. Steve Schoonover holds the University record in the pole vault -- 15 ft. 7 3/4 in. He is backed up by Pete Lazarus and Dave Bell, both of whom have been over 14 feet.

The weight events, dominated by a large group of sophomores, will be strong as well. Junior Ron Wilson returns as leader in the hammer and discus.

Captain Wayne Andersen, University record holder in the 100 (9.7 seconds) is the leading sprinter. Bill Jewett, Sam Robinson, and Randy Thompson will provide depth. Jeff Huvelle and Dave McKelvey are the Crimson's leading quarter milers.

With Trey Burns and Tom Callahan in the 880, Jim Baker and Dick Howe in the mile, and Doug Hardin and Tim McLoone in the two mile Harvard has outstanding scoring potential and depth in the longer races.

Brown may bother the Crimson in a few events, but by and large the meet should be an easy early season effort. The Brownies do have potential troublemakers in Win Anakwa (sprints), Tim Fahey (broad jump and triple jump), Jim Wich (middle distance) and Chip Ennis (two mile).

Captain Keith Colburn will lead the talented freshman squad in search of their tenth straight win. The Yardlings look unbeatable.