The giant, because of his size, his physique, and his apparent brute strength has always been a center of attraction. He has been glorified in the past through such stores as Paul Bunyan and John Henry. But in recent years, the influence of books like Budd Schulberg's "The Harder They Fall," has reduced the huge athlete to a much less glorified status.

But at Yale, this Schulberg influence has never been felt. Under the supervision of genial Bob Giegengack, the coach of Yale's track and field forces, the institution has become a haven for the athlete who stands over six feet and weighs more than 230 pounds.

The list of past giants at Yale is indeed imposing, but there is one there now who threatens to be the greatest all-around big-man Yale has ever had. His name is Stewart Thomson, a 6-2, 240-pound senior.

This tradition of big men, followed faithfully by Giegengack, has produced outstanding champions at Yale, as well as victories with a minimum of track talent.

The recent upsurge of Yale's power in the field events started in 1949 when a fellow named Jim Fuchs started putting the shot for the Blue. Fuchs, probably the hugest of the huge, captured the NCAA shot put title for two straight years in 1949 and 1950, with his 1950 have of 56' 11 and 3-16", a mark exceeded only by Southern California's Parry O'Brien. In addition, Funchs holds the Ic4A record of 57' 9 1-4" and the Heptagonal record of 58' 2".

While Fuchs was setting shot records, another big man, Vic Frank was tossing the discus. In an unprecedented accomplishment for an Eastern athlete, Frank captured the 1949 NCAA discus, at the same time Fuchs won the shot. Frank holds the IC4A record with 171' and the Heptagonal record of 177' 11 1-4".

Thomson must be added to this illustrious pair. His single marks have not challenged the records of these two Yale greats, but when Yale tries to retain its outdoor Heptagonal title this spring, Thomson will be called upon to repeat his unparalleled achievement of last year.

The collegian who gives Thomson the most competition is his teammate Tom Henderson. Henderson beat him last week in the weight throw against Cornell, but then Thompson had been ill all week.

Although Thomson and Henderson both graduate this June, Giegengack is not too concerned. He had a freshman this year. Dick Winterbauer, who may be even better than his predecessors.