Walk-on Superstar

Murrer came to Harvard with the intention of playing only football. But once the season ended and he found himself with time on his hands, he decided to return to running. At first he found it hard to adjust to the length of the combined winter and spring track seasons, and he didn't even make varsity spring of his freshman year.

He stated out as quarter miler, but then moved to the 500, an event which requires a combination of speed and endurance. Both McCurdy and Haggerty feel that Murrer may he even more successful in the 800.

"If he had the opportunity to train year round be could be an All-American half miler." Haggerty hypothesizes.

McCurdy is only a bit more conservative in his estimation of Murrer's potential.

"He is an indestructible hulk. He has improved technically and become a more coordinated runner. And he has a fund of native endurance."

There seem to be few limits to Murrer's potential in either of his sports. "He's got the equipment the tools and the speed," Restic said "It's just a matter of how good he wants to be."

Murrer realizes that combining two sports makes it difficult to live up to Restic's and McCurdy's expectations, but he feels that both coaches accommodate him and his dual commitment.

"The greatest thing about being here [at Harvard] is that football is not a year-round sport, so I can run track as well," he says. "Of course it helps that both coaches are so understanding."