The chances for the Heptagonal crown nesting in Cambridge this spring seem bleak. Both the Harvard men's and women's track teams opened their outdoor seasons this weekend, and both look to have problems making a run against the Heps favorites.

Outdoor Track

1986 record: 0-4 men, 3-1 women

1987 record to date: 0-2 men, 1-1 women

(Heptagonal Championships on May 2-3)

The men's team lacks depth in running events, and the women's team is probably too young to peak this season.

Nonetheless, both squads boast many individuals who promise to turn in outstanding performances.

For the men, junior James Russell--an All-America during the indoor season--has a shot to break the Harvard hammer throw record. That record was set by Tom Lenz at 213.4 meters in 1980.

Although Russell is not as big as his opponents, he manages to win events with superior technique. Harvard Coach Frank Haggerty has said, "There's no question that, technically, he is the best thrower in the nation."

In other field events, the Harvard javelin crew should manage to earn points for the Crimson this year. Sophomores Matt Collins and Shawn Carew, and junior William Krause all figure to be competitive.

Co-Captain Rob Gustafson, a high and long jumper, will be an important scorer in his last meets for the for the Crimson--as will senior Paul Kent, Harvard's best miler.

The women's team is stronger than the men's team, and should finish fairly high in major meets by counting on a combination of old and new.

Co-Captain Erin Sugrue represents the old. Sugrue, who holds Harvard records in the high jump, long jump and pentathlon, has been simply outstanding this year. She consistently wins the high and long jumps as well as the hurdle sprints.

The freshmen runners represent the new, as Harvard has a particularly strong freshman class this year.

Meredith Rainey may be the best of the bunch. Rainey nearly qualified for the NCAA championships in the indoor season.