Potentially stranger than his 1936 powerhouse, Jaakko Mikkola's 1939 track team opens its outdoor season against Holy Cross and Northeastern on Stadium cinders this afternoon. At the same time a mediocre Yardling team that lose to Andover last week will tackle cub aggregations from the same two colleges.

Although the Crusaders are potent medicine and boast and a brilliant relay team, while the Huskies are a better-than-average outfit, today the cards seem stacked for a well-rounded Crimson squad that ended up the winter season in a blaze of glory when it upset Cornell to win the Quad meet.

Two Records May Go

If weather is clear and track fast, two Harvard records may have fallen when the sun sets behind the stadium. George Downing, who has been heaving the shot consistently over 48 feet, may well crack Johnny Dean's 1933 mark of 48 ft., 10 1/4 inches. And Don Donahue is conceded an outside chance to pare the 220 low hurdle record, not bettered since Joseph G. Willis '02 covered the furlong stretch in 23.8.

A superb weight combination of Down- ing. Nat Heard, and Howie Mendel in the shot, and Bill Shallow in the hammer, already this winter demonstrated itself ad the backbone of the team.

But the unit that has made the biggest stops forward this year in Jaakko's hurdle contingent, which may well shatter Yale's barrier supremacy two weeks from today. Mase Fernald is an old hand and a good one, but not yet in very food condition. Sophomores Don Donahue and Roger Schafer, whose attendance at practice is sometimes sporadic, are not only white hopes for the future but plenty hot right now. And Junior Bill Laverack, who hasn't the speed of the others, possesses perhaps the most perfect form.

Crack Sprinters

The strength doesn't step here. After two lean years. Hill Neufeld again has crack sprinters: Bob Gammons and Fred Clen one-two Quad winners, in the century; and football captain Torby Macdonald, who pulled a muscle last year, in the 220.

There is power, too, in Jaakko's running events. Although there will be no outstanding quarter milers if Joe Donnelly is saved for the relay, Sophomores Dan Hamilton and Tim Willcox have been coming fast. In the 880 are veterans A1 Hanlon, Joe Bradley, and last year's Yardling captain Rolla Campbell. A potential record-breaker, Campbell last year covered the half in 1.57.4, but is still weak as the result of a long illness last winter.

Although Penn Tuttle will not be running today, Gene Clark, Ros Brayton, and Chick Oldfather will handle the mile, and Dave Simboli the two-mile. Because spring is late this year and the meet early, the milers will run a three-quarter mile stretch, and the two-milers a one and a half mile route.

Haydock, Partlow in High Jump

Captain Bob Haydock and Bob Partlow should fight it out between them for first place in the high jump, since Husky Captain Danny Miles, a consistent six-footer, is still recovering from an illness and will not compete. The erratic but capable Partlow, who is teamed up with Rock Hollands and Paul Morgan, should also do well in the broad jump. Steve Madey and Andy Rosenberger will pole vault for the Crimson.

In the javelin and discus events Harvard is not strong. Fulton Cahners is perhaps the best bet in the latter, while Sophomore javelin artist Tom Lacey, former Exeter star, may find himself after a not-too-successful Freshman year if conditions are right