Runners Prepare for Rhode Island Relays

Crimson trackmen will shift gears this week from the pre-season fundamentals to the more exacting task of preparing for the first indoor meet of the winter season, the Rhode Island Relays on December 9. Both Varsity and Freshman one-mile and two-mile relay teams will participate.

Coach Mikkola must fill one important position before the first meet. In the quarter mile relay veterans Harvey Thayer, Al Ruby, and Captain Dave Hamblett will fill three spots in the quartet, but who will be the fourth man is still a big question. Main contenders for this position are Dave Gilbert, Jerry Simpson, Bert Brown, and Bill Goldberg. In the two mile relay, Jim Downey, Dick Welch, George Williams, and either Ardon Albee or John Cogan should be on the starting line December 9.

'52 Looks Good

The Freshman one-mile and two-mile relays look like two of the best freshman teams yet. Coach Carl Olsen, ex-Belmont High School coach, has five excellent quarter-milers in John Packard, Tom McGraph, Ed Grutzner, Tom Crockett, and Ronnie Burman--all of whom have run the quarter in less than 52 seconds.

The first complete meet will be an informal one on December 11, with Northeastern and Boston College in Briggs Cage. The Freshmen travel to Andover for another informal meet on the same date.

Both squads must develop depth in many events. In the 880 the varsity will miss ex-Captain Frank Gurley, unable to come out because of two jobs and five courses. Bert Couvin, although much improved over last year has little backing in the hurdles; and in the high jump Pat Dailey and Gene Harrigan will miss Dick Barwise who is ineligible.

Moderate Depth

In other events the Crimson shows considerable strength. The dashes are strong with John Spivak, Dave Carter, and Thayer; Bud Lockett and Bill Lawrence are working at the pole vault; Don Trimble, the holder of the University record in the javelin, and Jerry Kanter, will put the shot; George Kumpel, Thayer, and Carter are strong in the broad jump; and John Cogan, Joe Leeming, Dick Welch, Joe Rosen, and Dick White give depth in the distance runs.

Coach Mikkalo again issued a call for new candidates yesterday. Pointing to the weaknesses and lack of depth, he said, "I hope everyone comes out. We should have a very successful season if all with experience or a desire to run, do come out. I want even beginners; you don't have to be a champion to begin with."