Coach Bill McCurdy will get the first real look at his varsity and freshman cross-country teams when members of both squads and all other interested University students compete in the annual University Handicaps this afternoon. The race will begin at 4 p.m. at Newell Boat House.

In line with precedent, time handicaps up to five minutes will be allowed to freshmen and other runners not of varsity caliber. Because of the construction work in the Soldiers Field area, the race will be a mile and a half shorter than the regular five mile distance.

The first varsity meet is scheduled with the University of Massachusetts on Oct. 1.