I was warned when I came to Harvard that Cambridge only had two seasons.

There was a long, bitter winter filled with snow and ice. Then, at some arbitrary point, winter became summer--passing over the idea of spring altogether.

Likewise, I was told, several months later summer gave way to winter again, without a sign of fall.

The idea of two seasons was no problem at all to me. In fact, I was used to having only two seasons.

You see, back home we have football season and spring football season--nothing more, nothing less.

The calendar revolves around these two seasons nicely.

The football season runs from August to January, followed by a month or two grace period before spring football in April and May.

Harvard, too, has begun to try out this new system of the equinox. The Crimson football team dons the pads early Monday morning for the opening of its spring football season.

Spring football for Harvard will last two weeks and culminate with a scrimmage.

While not crucial, the spring practices are an important opportunity to prepare for next season.

The Crimson has several holes to fill on its offensive and defensive lines and these practices should provide an early judgement of the new talent there.

Spring football is also important for building the team atmosphere. Harvard needs to develop momentum and spirit in the next two weeks and carry that over into August when the team meets for the first days of preseason practice.

This spring practice marks the second season since the Ivy League voted to allow a spring training period for football in 1993.

The Ancient Eight has received dividends for its decision. Last year the league ran roughshod over its nonconference opponents, finishing with a 19-3-1 record outside the Ivies.

The performance marked the most wins ever against non-Ivy foes and was the best winning percentage for the league since a 15-1 campaign in 1970.