W. Track Leaps Past Yale

The Harvard track and field teams split a meet against Yale in New Haven Saturday. The women squeaked by a Yale team that they usually dominate, winning 75-70, while the men, without several key contributors, were beaten handily, 110-51.

For the women, Harvard's dominance in the longer events and in the field countered a Yale sweep in the 100-meter dash, caused by the absence of Harvard's top sprinter junior Heather Hanson.

The meet was exciting and competitive all the way, with the final outcome not decided until the final event, the 4x400 relay. Both teams went into the race with 70 points, but Harvard was able to secure the meet with a decisive win.

Captain Margaret Angell made a crucial contribution which helped Harvard recoup, winning both the 800-meter and the 1500, as Harvard swept both events.

"Sweeping the 800 was key because it answered their sweep in the 100 and really turned the meet around." said Angell.

The meet also showcased the athletic gifts of star freshmen Dora Gyorffy and Marna Schutte. Gyorffy, an All-American high jumper, once again displayed her versatility, taking second in javelin in her very first competition in the event. She continued her dominance in the high jump with a leap of 5'6, and also won the triple jump.

Schutte sizzled in winning the 400 with a time of 55.8, which qualified her for Easterns and represented the fourth fastest time ever run by a Harvard woman. She also won the 200-meter to cap off a dominating individual performance in the longer sprints.

"This was the closest it's been in my four years here which is somewhat disappointing because it's nice to kill Yale," said Angell, "but they have really improved, the result reflects how much better they are, and it's good to have some real competition. And now, we'll be looking for them at the Heptagonals."

The men did not fare as well. The Crimson were led by junior co-captain Joe Ciollo who won the 400-meter in a time of 48.33.

Harvard suffered without several important contributors.

"We went into the meet under-manned, missing junior Ken Hughes who was taking the MCAT's. He probably would have won the shot put and the discus," Ciollo said. "Also, Jameel Shamasdin pulled a hamstring in his first race and was unable to compete in the four events he was slated for.

"Normally we are on a par or better than Yale, but the loss really reflected how shorthanded we were."

One of the highlights of the meet for the men's team was the performance of freshman Chris Clever, whose throw of 221'1 in the javelin eclipsed his nearest competitor by almost 55 feet.

"Chris is one of the best athletes on the team and has completely dominated in every meet this year. He should go to the NCAAs," Ciollo said.

Another bright spot was freshman Arthur Fergusson's victory in the triple jump, which he won with a leap of 48'1 3/4.