Trackmen Vie for Greater Boston Title

With exam period barely a memory, the indoor track team returns today to the new running facility to face the area's most talented squads in the Greater Boston Championships (GBCs).

Northeastern is again the Crimson's main foe, with this year's GBCs shaping up as a rematch between the powerful Huskies and Harvard. The Crimson is looking to avenge a 65-51 defeat earlier this season.

Head Coach Bill McCurdy agreed yesterday that Northeastern is the team to beat. "They've had a number of meets since we last met, while we're just getting back into the routine," he said--but added that "if anyone will beat them, it will be Harvard."

McCurdy is looking to other colleges to field strong entries in the distance events, normally Northeastern's forte. Harvard figures to dominate scoring in the field events, where the Crimson held Northeastern even in last month's meet. Still, Assistant Coach Ed Stowell concedes Northeastern three places in the shot put, and recognizes the Huskies' strength in other events.

"By distances, they've got the two best long jumpers and the best triple jumper--but Hasan Kayali [Harvard's ace] is returning from an injury," Stowell said.

"Coming off exams is especially difficult," pole vaulter Geoff Stiles said yesterday. "Every day this week I've been improving, but I don't know if I'll be good enough," he added.

Stowell predicted a one-two Harvard finish in the 35-lb. weight event, with defending champion Ed Ajootian and Tom Lenz leading the pack. Meanwhile, captain Dan Sullivan is the favorite in the high jump, with his 6-ft. 10-in. leap the best this year among the GBC field.

Harvard's main hopes lie in the fourth-and fifth-place categories, where Stowell says the team must "peck away at them." Triple-jumper Bruce Brooks and high-jumper Mike Young are the prime candidates to pick up these "unexpected" points that might swing the meet in the Crimson's favor, with Chris Queen and Tom DiBenedetto also challenging in the shot put.

"We think we can get points down the line," Stowell said. If Harvard does indeed neutralize Northeastern's running depth, that "line" will be too close to call, and the Crimson will have an excellent shot at the Greater Boston crown.