Briggs Fix-Up Due

If you want to reminisce someday about the bandbox-gym atmosphere of Briggs Cage--and we know how big a priority that is for you, the reading public--go see a Harvard game before the end of this season.

The Crimson has learned that the Athletic Department could renovate the arena as soon as this spring, depending on whether enough money is raised in its massive upcoming capital campaign.

Though Athletic Director William H. Cleary '56 could not be reached for comment, speculation on possible improvements has centered on a bigger entranceway, improved locker rooms, increased storage space, and larger coaches, offices.

Architects have already been consulted, according to one source, but Sports Information Director John Veneziano insisted, "Nothing has been firmed up, as far as I know."

Murphy Sighting:It may seem a little out of season, but here's a notice to Harvard football fans: New coach Tim Murphy looks like a real team player. He was sighted at the basketball game against Brown in Briggs Cage last weekend, cheering the Crimson on in its tight victory.

Word is that man has been working overtime with his staff since arriving from Cincinnati, sometimes up to 14 hours a day. (And it's still February!)

Bye Bye, B.J.: Erstwhile trainer and team supporter B.J. Baker will be leaving Harvard soon for greener pastures. Literally.

Following this weekend's road trip to Cornell and Columbia, Baker will join the Boston Red Sox as the team's strength and conditioning coordinator. He will also work as the head trainer for Pawtucket, the Sox Triple-A farm club.

The trainer, who has served Harvard's men's basketball, lacrosse and soccer teams since 1987, met on Wednesday with Sox GM-to-be Dan Duquette and ex-GM Lou Gorman to finalize his role within the organization.

Baker will report to Fort Myers, Florida, on February 17, one day before the pitchers and catchers arrive for spring training.

"Anytime you change a job there is a little anxiety involved," Baker said. "But I'm looking forward to this as a challenge and a chance that lots of other people don't get."

Sullivan and the team will miss a faithful friend. "It's a loss for the Athletic Department, but we're all really happy for him," the coach said.

"He's done a terrific job servicing the athletes and getting to know them off the court, too."

Around the Ivies: Top dog Penn, whose record now stands at 15-2 (5-0 Ivy), won 77-52 at Buffalo Monday night after a feature article about the Quakers ran in the New York Times that day.

Penn cruised with a balanced scoring attack, as Shawn Trice scored 14 points, Eric Moore 13, Scott Kegler 12 and Barry Pierce 10. Junior Jerome Allen, last year's Ivy Co-MVP, did not start because of an injury but should be back for this weekend's league games.

Princeton regained its winning form this weekend after a 66-55 loss to Penn on January 29. The Tigers still stand second in the League with a 4-1 Ivy record, and Pete Carril's squad looks to have rebounded from its disappointing 7-7 Ivy finish last season.