Laxmen Prepare for Awesome Navy, Battle Top Squads on Spring Jaunt

Harvard's varsity lacrosse team has the toughest spring schedule of any Crimson squad, playing five games in six days against some of the most powerful lacrosse machines in the United States.

The laxmen head south Monday to battle veteran-filled C. W. Post and Rutgers squads in preparation for back-to-back confrontations with perhaps the nation's top two lacrosse teams--frightening Navy and well-balanced Washington College.

Last year, Navy tied for first in the national rankings and is heavily favored to repeat in 1968. Washington grabbed the "Best Small College Team" award last spring, and has two All-Americans returning this year to pace its attack.

The Crimson also meets Adelphi, defending United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association Metropolitan Division champion, before coming back to Cambridge on April 17.

But things aren't all bad for Harvard. Fourteen lettermen will be in uniform for the first game, and the team is strong and deep in the midfield and on defense.

All-American Honorable Mention Jim Kilkowski, who was also first team All-Ivy and All-New England last year, should spark the potentially high-scoring mid-field.

Mighty-mite captain Tom Nicosia, second team All-Ivy and All-New England, should provide the breakaway speed the Crimson needs downfield. Marty Cain, last year's leading scorer, and sophomore sensation Bruce Regan add even further strength to the midfield.

On defense, first team All-Ivy and All-New England selection Mike Ananis leads a talented group of stick-handlers. Gary Leahey and Pete Howard are impressively backed by sophomore ace defenseman Bob McDowell, and sophomore giant Pete Barber, the biggest man on the squad.

Thin On Attack

But the depth wears thin on the attack. Veteran crease attackman Jim Anderson may miss some of the season because of a leg injury, and Jamie Kilbreth is still trying to shake the after-effects of a winter bout with mononucleosis.

The only bright spots on attack are the improving play of converted midfielder Charley Ames, and the aggressive work of sophomore John Ince. Ince, the best prospect at close defenseman on the team, only needs a little more varsity experience to set the Crimson rolling.

Kirby Wilcox has filled in erratically at goal, but will probably start the first game in the nets for Harvard.

Bad Weather

Harvard has been further hampered by having to stay inside for so many days because of bad weather. Unlike Navy and Washington who have been outside since February 15, the Crimson laxmen, who only went outside for the first time on Tuesday, have had little chance to work at full speed and get in top condition.

"There are still a lot of things that have to be worked out before we start travelling," Coach Bruce Munro said, "and we're really going to have to work this week to make up for lost time."

Harvard will run full scrimmages for the rest of the week and host a round-robin scrimmage with University of Massachusetts, the Boston Lacrosse Club, and Tufts on Saturday in a frantic effort to get in top shape for the trip.

In spite of the handicaps. Munro is "highly optimistic." "Although we were only able to get outside this week we are in better shape than last year," he said.

"We've got the makings of a good team," Munro said, "and over the Spring trip we'll be able to see how good our potential really is."

If an attack gells over spring vacation, and if the Crimson finally gets into top shape, Harvard could see the four-game winning streak that the laxmen compiled at the end of last year grow into the Ivy League Lacrosse championships by May.