ON THE POSITIVE SIDE: Though Harvard's traditionally major sports have struggled with dismal winter seasons this year, not all the news is bad. As February brings back a full schedule of events, four Crimson squads carry undefeated records, and three others remain above the .500 level.

With the approach of tournaments and stiff Ivy League competition, the men's swim team, undoubtedly the leader this season, looms large as Harvard's biggest hope for national success. The powerful squash teams also have a shot at fine finishes, and the women fencers appear headed for at least a winning season.

And as the teams come back to life this week, some of the biggest thrillers of the year come immediately, with the aquamen in Princeton and the harriers at the GBC's. Watch out, sports.

Men's Swim

Seventeen consecutive dual meet wins ... A perfect 6-0 record so far this year, the closest contest leaving Army 29 points behind ... Charges of complacency and laziness surrounding this gifted squad.

That's the story for the men's swim team so far this season, by far the most talented and successful of the winter's teams. Joe Bernal's conglomeration of swift aquawonders are sitting haughtily atop the impressive pile of statistics; but as the season resumes this week, the Crimson swimmers face the ultimate test--the Chem 20 of their water world--this Saturday.

Defending Eastern champs Princeton will host the Crimson in scenic New Jersey on that day, and everything will be on the line at the Princeton pool--the Harvard streak, the Ivy title and a big psychological edge for the upcoming Easterns (March 1-3 at Blodgett).

The Crimson took last year's showdown with the Tigers, 58-55; but Princeton came back in the Easterns to nab a 364-356 win. With All-American sprinter Julian Mack returning to the Harvard ranks after a half-season layoff, the strong lineup--including veterans Bobby Hackett, co-captains Malcolm Cooper and Eric Seder, and freshman stars Tim Maxim off and Lee Menichella--looks stronger every day.

Forget the joke of a meet against the Dutch national team. That 44-41 win was garnered in slow motion. Cruise speed will return this weekend.

Men's Squash

Injuries and illness almost broke the squash team's back in the pre-exam rush, but coach Dave Fish shuffled and scrambled enough to put together a 7-2 victory over Williams during the reading period and keep the racquetmen's record unblemished, raising it to 4-0.

A sore foot sidelined number one star Mike Desaulniers and a twisted ankle kept number four George Ball inactive. Captain John Havens, the number two regular and number one sub for Desaulniers, battled with a sore arm which cost him a chance at a win in the Williams meet.

Strong efforts from the lower lineup, Chip Robie, John Heller and Joe Summers, saved the day against Williams; but Fish will need his heavy hitters back in form for this weekend's duel with Ivy champ Princeton.

Before the Williams clash, the squad had not dropped a match, taking three 9-0 wins against Amherst, Army and Trinity. The Crimson will not be able to hold that kind of advantage against the Tigers; but with a healthy lineup, a 5-0 record is within reach.

Women's Squash