Captain Dyke Benjamin and sophomore Jed Fitzgerald ran away from the field to finish first and second respectively and lead the Crimson to a lopsided 22 to 37 victory over the Big Red harriers Saturday at Ithaca. In downing Cornell in the opening meet of the season, the varsity took six out of the first nine places to register what Coach Bill McCurdy called a "darn good varsity performance."

The measure of victory for the varsity was the running of the one-two punch, Benjamin and Fitzgerald. Benjamin, who seems to have regained the top form he showed as a sophomore, moved out front in the early stages of the race and ran evenly with Cummins of Cornell at the front of the pack. At the half-way point, Fitzgerald, running splendidly in his varsity debut, caught up with the leaders and then eased out in front with Benjamin.

From there on, the two were never again pressed and finished close together not far off the course record. Benjamin covered the five and 1/16 mile distance in 27 min. 54 sec.; Fitzgerald finished in 28 min. 6 sec. Will Thompson stayed within striking distance during the whole race and finished a strong fourth for the Crimson about a minute behind the leaders.

Much of the excitement of the meet was provided by Crimson freshman Marc Mullin, who set a new freshman course record even though the Yardlings lost their race. With the outcome of the freshman race still in doubt 600 yards from the finish, Mullin sprinted home ahead of two Cornell runners, both of whom broke the previous course record.