Eight finalists will emerge Saturday afternoon from the first track time-trials of the winter season. These runners will make up the Crimson's one-mile and two-mile relay teams that compete against Rhode Island and Brown in an informal relay meet here December 8.

A1 Ruby, veteran quarter-miler, is a doubtful starter. Coach Jaakko Mikkola said yesterday that "he has a very bad cold and has not been down all this week."

In addition to filling Ruby's position, Coach Mikkola must find a fourth man for the mile quartet. Captain Dave Hamblett and Harvey Thayer, two outstanding holdovers from last year, however, are almost certain of starting. The other two will probably be Dave Gilbert and Chuck Harwood.

Two-Millers Set

The two-mile relay foursome happily presents no such problem. The starters will probably be George Williams, Jim Downey, Joe Rosen, and Dick Welch, Mikkola said.

Appearance of hurdler Pat McCormick at practice this week strengthened the Crimson in one of its weakest events. Jeff Tootell, veteran shotputter, and Dick Barwise, high-jumper who cleared 6'3" at St. Mark's, will also join the squad before the season hits its height in February, providing further reinforcements in the field events.

The freshman track team is now preparing for its opener at Andover at Andover, Dec. 11.