Watson Takes Ski Title; Mitchell Injured in Fall

Harvard freshman Alan Watson defeated the top echelon of Eastern skiers to capture the tenth annual New England Kandahar Championship this past Sunday.

The giant slalom race was sanctioned by the United States Ski Association and was included on the international schedule. Harvard Coach Dick Friedman called Watson's victory "the biggest ski race that anyone at Harvard has ever won."

A disastrous fall two days earlier by overshadowed both Watson's victory and several outstanding Alpine performances by other Harvard skiers.

Mitchell was knocked unconscious when he fell during a practice ski jump at the Middlebury Winter Carnival. He was rushed to the hospital suffering from a concussion, memory loss, and neck and back injuries. He is now in good condition at Stillman Infirmary. His absence cost Harvard valuable points in the Nordic events and left the Crimson skier's in sixth place in the final team standings at Middlebury.

Harvard's Alpine performance at Middlebury was outstanding. In the slalom. Which Friedman called "the best single event in Harvard's history," Crimson skiers captured four out of the top ten places. Willy Draper led the Harvard contingent, placing second behind Rick Launsbury of Dartmouth by one-tenth of a second. Mike Cock and Peter and Larry Carter--the other Harvard racers--placed sixth, seventh, and tenth respectively.

Harvard finished a strong third in the giant slalom as Peter Carter captured fourth place for the Crimson. He was followed by his brother Larry in 12th and Cook in 14th.

But in the Nordic events, Harvard lacked depth and spirit without Mitchell. In the cross-country ski run, sophomore Steve Hinkle placed 11th, but he received little support from his teammates.

Entering the final event at Middlebury, the 60-meter ski jump, Harvard stood third in the team standings after superlative Alpine performances. But Mitchell's injury had a big psychological effect on Harvard's other jumpers. "Our guys were just trying to live through the experience," Friedman said. Their sub-par performance dropped Harvard to sixth place. Perennial champion Dartmouth edged Middlebury to capture the team title.