The Harvard men's cross country team took its act to New York Friday afternoon, and in contrast to last weekend's dismal loss to Northeastern, it was no flap. The Crimson scored key victories over Columbia and Penn to jump out to a 2-0 record in Ivy League Competition. The win over Columbia was Harvard's first in three years.

The tri-meet, field at Van Cortlandt Park. Columbia's home course, featured several significant surprises. Among these was the performance of yardling Paul Gompers, who conquered the unfamiliar terrain to finish first for Harvard. The Crimson pack, comprising Gompers, sophomore Peter Jelley. Felix "Rough Rider" Rippey, and Paul McNulty, stormed through the opposition to place 2-3-5-6. Harvard depth in the top ten rounded out by senior Bob Higgins, secured a Crimson triumph despite Columbia's first place and Penn's fourth place finishes.

Higgins' performance, in only the second meet of his cross country career, is notable since he is known as a half miler. The reemergence of Rippey, victimized by a virus for most of last year, also gives Harvard brighter hopes for the season.

We were just a different team than we were in the Northeastern meet." Rippey said later, emphasizing the power of the pack for the mutual support it give the Harvard runners over the course of the race.

Columbia was also a changed team Friday's meet featured a depleted pride of Lions, with most of its stars lost to graduation.

According to McNulty, "they weren't as impressive as they have been."

The victories gave Crimson Coach Frank Haggerty his first wins since taking over the helm from recently retired Bill McCurdy. The thinclads visit Brown Friday.