Cross Country

This may be the fall that Ellie Noyes will smile with satisfaction. On paper at least the 1961 cross-country team will be the strongest seen in these parts in some years. The entire 1960 squad has returned, and several promising sophomores have been added.

Led by captain Tom Laris, the other front-running lettermen include Nick Jennison, Stu Hallagan, Dan Tompkins and Pete Wells. Add to this list of notables two sophomores, Jeff Burnham and Eric Thompson, and you have the top candidates on this year's team.

There are several ifs, however, that stand between the 1961 team and a winning season. One is the return of Tom Laris to the form he displayed as a sophomore when he was second in the Heptagonal Championships. Last fall the Big Green runner was hampered by a leg injury and failed to regain his earlier form.

The second factor facing the Indians is that despite their additional strength, the competition they face will be just as strong and capable as ever. Beginning with Manhattan on October 7 and extending through the Heps on November 10, there isn't a soft touch on the schedule.

Coach Noyes expects Yale and Harvard to field well-balanced teams, as should Army in the Heptagonals. Brown and Cornell each have at least one runner who may push the best the Green can offer.

The 1961 season could be one to remember for Ellie Noyes, who this year starts his sixteenth year as cross-country and track coach.