Thinclads to End Season Against Yale

The Harvard thinclads' season finale against perenially weak Yale might not in ordinary years engender much interest; however, this year is different, since not only the Crimson's undefeated dual meet record, but also berths on an international track team will be at stake on Sunday at New Haven, Conn.

The first two finishers in each of the events on Sunday will qualify for the Harvard-Yale track team, which will compete against a combined team from Oxford and Cambridge Universities on June 13 at Soldiers Field.

Coach Bill McCurdy said yesterday that he opposes having the dual meet act as a qualifying event for this summer's international contest.

Just a Meet

"The Harvard-Yale meet ought to be just that--a meet between the two colleges," McCurdy said. "It shouldn't be a qualifying meet, too."

Nevertheless, McCurdy looks for a strong performance by his charges.

"We intend to win," he said. "If Yale beats us, it will be an upset."

McCurdy's main worry about the meet is the slew of injuries that has befallen the thinclads.

Miler John Quirk is sick, but, McCurdy said, will run "if I have to get him to New Haven in a wheelchair."

Other injured Harvard performers are long-jumper Vincent Vanderpoole-Wallce, hurdler Dewey Hickman and javelin thrower Bill Pade.

McCurdy remains optimistic despite the injuries. "If our injured men can't perform, we still think we can win, only it will be closer," he said.

The mile should be the closest event Sunday with Yale's John Hexsam, a 4:05 performer, going against the injured Quirk.

Other closely contested events will be the high hurdles, discus, two-mile and the mile relay, McCurdy said.

"The two-mile and discus should be closer than I had anticipated," he said. "Yale's kids beat our men in those events last weekend at the Heptagonals."

The outlook for next season is encouraging, but not assured.

"I am hopeful that people will improve next year," McCurdy said, "but as soon as this season's over, I'm going to start worrying like hell."