Tracksters Split While Suffering Chill at McCurdy

The women's track team blew past the Huskies from Northeastern last Saturday at a windswept McCurdy Track. The Crimson was led by red-hot Erin Sugrue, who claimed first place in three events.

The temperature was in the upper thirties, and the wind gusted steadily at 20 mph. It's been said that records were made to be broken. Not on days like that.

"It was really cold," said Co-Captain Yamilee Bermingham. "This was quite a shock after our week in Houston [for spring break]."

All the ingredients for an afternoon of poor performances were in place, but Harvard ignored them and instead produced a magnificent statement on its ability to adapt to arctic conditions.

The chief architect was Sugrue, who breezed to victories in the 400 low hurdles, 100 hurdles, and high jump. Sugrue was not alone on the victory stand, as the Crimson placed in the money in every event.

"Everyone stood up to the cold very well, and that was the difference," said Bermingham. "Our victory over Northeastern indoors was much closer."

Harvard dominated all facets of the meet. Jennifer Toomey and Patricia DeFries placed first and second, respectively, in the 800, Bermingham won impressively in the 400, and Lois Brommer captured the 3000.

Crimson teams strode to victory in both the mile and 4x100 relays.

Mary Lawlor led the way in the field events by winning the discus and shot put, and Laura Blodgett out-triple jumped the opposition by more than 38 feet.

"This was quite a performance, all around," commented Bermingham. "It bodes well for the future."

The next meet for the women is Saturday against Brown and Dartmouth at Providence, R.I.