Runners See Success Ahead

Harvard's indoor track and field team is not taking the results of Saturday's meet against Boston College to heart.

The men won 84-51 while the women lost 63-54, but both squads saw the meet more as an opportunity to test the waters than as a chance to give their all-out best. Coming months before the bulk of the season, the competition just doesn't mean that much.

Despite the men's strong performance, Co-Captain Robert Failla said the team was "not looking to race their best times in this first meet."

Its 84-51 win was helped along by exciting come-back victories in the 4x 400 and 4x 800 relays.

Harvard Coach Frank Haggerty said he was pleased with how the men fared and is optimistic for the future.

"I think this will be our year," Haggerty said.

The Crimson must overcome the loss of several seniors to graduation, but a strong freshman contingent promises to fill the gaps.

"We're strong in the middle distance and throws, but we have some gaping holes in the jumps," Co-Captain William Doyle said.

"This meet shows us how and if we're going to fill those holes," Haggerty said.

Strong freshmen include sprinter Shayne Mauricette, who took first in the 55 meter dash, middle distance runners Ben Bowen, who took second in the 800 meters, and distance runners Brian Walsh and Derek Lombard.

On the women's side, the Crimson was in the running until it lost the final two events, both of which it needed to beat the Eagles.

"It was a close meet," Haggerty said. "We knew it would come down to the relays."

But Harvard does not view its loss as a major set back.

"We want to peak later," Co-Captain Alexia Cruz said. "Right now we're figuring out what we need to work on."

Senior Karin Swartz, who led the distance runners in their cross country season, agreed. "Its tough for the distance runners to do their best after tapering down for cross country. This is a chance to see where our strengths and weaknesses are as a team."

Smaller numbers this year created holes in some events, including high jump and shot put. Team members were called upon to participate in events they did not normally do.

"It's nice to have people who are willing to jump in and help out their teammates" Haggerty said.

"The enthusiasm definitely helped," Co-Captain Debbie Boyle said. "I'm really proud of our team's performance. We're looking ahead to an overall strong season."