I he Harvard men's tennis team surprised everyone earlier this month when they finished ninth in the ITCA National Team Championships in Los Angeles-- their first crack into the nation's top-ten rankings ever. Playing a major role in the Crimson's superior showing was senior ALEX SEAVER who, at the number-six slot, is playing as a full-time starter for the first time in his four years at Harvard.

"It's nice to see Alex starting after four years of playing on the 'B' squad, "assistant coach DON USHER says. "Alex has made a big turnaround this year--he has finally matured as a tennis player, and has harnessed the tremendous talent he has."

Seaver's performances in the tournament were key in allowing the racquetmen to advance as far as they did. Down 4-1 in the Clemson match, Seaver survived three match points to come from behind and throw the contest into the doubles finals. Although the Crimson lost to the fifth-ranked Tigers, Seaver "kept us alive." Usher comments.... Usher also managed to keep himself alive during the tournament when he was confronted with a would-be assailant in the affluent Los Angeles suburb of Westwood one night. Approached from behind by a man who coveted the team's money in Usher's front left pocket, the tennis coach swung a quart-size bottle of V-8 juice and knocked the other man out cold. Although he field a complaint when the police arrived, Usher has yet to hear what action is pending....

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Freshman spiker SEAN DOYLE will be able to zero in on the ball, but the Harvard hitter may have to alter his number 00. Voleyball's rules require players to wear a number between one and 99 inclusive. If a referee insists on enforcing the rule. Doyle says that he will "take two pieces of tape and make myself number 88."

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Believe it or not, Harvard actually has a championship basketball team. Who, you ask? The answer is the women's JV squad, which has an impeccable 11-4 season record, and which is currently undefeated in the Ivy League.

Freshman guard TRACY TRENCH has emerged as the team's standout, averaging 11-6 points per game. Closely trailing Trench in offensive achievements are LANYA BOYER and CASSANDRA COE, who are notching about 10 and 7.5 points per game.

Coach NANCY HOGAN underlines the teamwork between the three players, saying "I am struck by how well they get along--they try to communicate on and off the court."

To reward the trio's stellar play, head Coach CAROLE KLEINFELDER has elevated them to varsity level for this weekend's Ivy League Championship tournament....

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Sophomore MARK HENRY was hampered by a leg injury last week at the Big Three meet in New Haven and was unable to compete in either the 60-yard dash or the long jump. He wasn't totally inactive, however, winning the triple jump and finishing third in the high jump.... A year ago at the Big Three meet ADAM DIXON set the American indoor 1000 record, and although Tom Byers broke it earlier this year, Dixon still holds the collegiate mark....Speaking of records, sophomore DAN O'BRIEN set one on the bus on the way back from New Haven that probably won't be broken or quite awhile-- O'Brien owns the record for the most consecutive bad jok as told.