Harvard's mighty mite, Vic Gatto, has been elected captain of the 1968 Crimson football team.

The chunky number 40, who has consistently sparked Harvard's on-and-off offense this year, was chosen by a vote of his teammates in the Varsity Club yesterday afternoon. He succeeds Captain Don Chiofaro.

The speedy Gatto ("the Cat," in Italian) led the Crimson in rushing yard-age this year with 752 yards. He was the Ivy League's second leading rusher with 581 yards for the second year in a row, trailing only Penn's senior tailback, Cabot Knowlton. (609 yards).

In this two seasons for Harvard. Gatto has scored 13 touchdowns himself and passed for two more. He was a Coaches' All-Ivy Honorable Mention choice last year.

Both Gatto and Coach John Yovicsin were all smiles when the 5'6", 185-pound halfback's election was announced. "He's a great individual and has the respect of every player," Yovicsin said.

Asked if he was surprised at the team's choice. Gatto grinned and said, "I was hoping."

Back Renaissance

Gatto's election marks the first time in 15 years that a back will captain the team. Dick Clasby was Harvard's last backfield captain way back in 1953.

It is ironic that Gatto should succeed Clasby, Harvard's all-time career rushing leader with 1820 yards. Gatto, now in fourth place in career rushing behind Clasby, Bobby Leo, and Chet Bouiris '61, will be trying to eclipse that mark next year. With 1452 yards under his belt already, he will almost certainly succeed.

Gatto, who lives in Quincy House, came to Harvard after a spectacular football career at Needham High. He played halfback, quarterback, and fullback, and was co-captain of the team his senior year.

Optimism

The new captain is optimistic about next year's team. "We have 14 lettermen coming back. We could easily have been 8-1 this year, and I don't see why we can't be 9-0 next year," he said.

Two other Harvard players were honored last night at the annual football banquet in Boston's Harvard Club. Quarterback Ric Boston's Ric Zimmerman, who played the best game of his career three days ago, was given the Crocker Award for most Valuable Player. The recipient of the award is determined by a team vote.

Senior linebacker Bob Machin was the winner of the LaCroix Award for the team's Unsung Hero.