Tennis Squad Journeys South Without Service of Top Player

The Crimson tennis squad, off today for its annual trip south, will be without the services of number one man Harris Masterson during the Spring break, and possibly for the entire season.

Masterson, currently in the process of re-evaluating his academic and athletic career, according to sources on the team, said yesterday that he has reached no firm decision on playing tennis this season.

A Personal Matter

"It has nothing to do with the team or coach or anything like that--I'm just sorting out some personal things," he said.

Crimson coach Jack Barnaby said that Masterson's loss would hurt and that he had nothing more to say on the matter. "He's a fine player and we'll miss him and that's it; his troubles are personal, and only he can work them out--it's not my place to comment on them," he said.

Masterson's loss will further jeopardize the chances of the Crimson, already underdog in virtually all the six matches it has on the week-long trip. Harvard will meet Clemson, Georgia, Georgia Tech, North Carolina, the Country Club of Virginia and enter a round robin at Furman University.

Ken Lindner will move into the number one position for the southern tour while Gary Reiner and John Ingar play at the two and three spots.

Tom Loring and Randy Barnett will fill in at four and five while sophomore Chip Baird breaks into the varsity this trip at the six position.

Barnaby said that even if Masterson does not return this season Harvard will be an Ivy contender. "We have people who are plenty tough and great competitors--they can step up and do the job. Baird has played well and can handle his spot, so I'm sure things will work out O.K.," he said.