In the novel Love Story, the bartender of a former Harvard Square drinkery. Cronin's, toasts the Crimson's top hockey player at the time. Oliver Barrett, caling him "the best Harvard hockey player since the Cleary brothers." If a sequel were written now, a Boathouse publican might well toast Mark and Scott Fusco as "the best Harvard hockey players since Oliver Barrett."

For both senior Mark, a two-time All-American, and sophomore Scott, runner-up in last year's ECAC Rookie of the Year balloting and among this year's conference scoring leaders, have had success similar to that of the Cleary duo which dominated the rink over 20 years ago.

The person in the best position to judge is Bill Cleary '56, who not only is one of those Cleary brothers but also coaches Mark and Scott on the current Crimson team.

Their records speak for themselves," Cleary says. "They have done a tremendous job for us."

The Fuscos hope their emulation of the Clearys doesn't end at the collegiate level. Both Mark and Scott have their eyes on spending a couple of weeks in Sarajevo. Yugoslavia for the 1984 Olympic games.

"I would hope that they both have that opportunity they certainly have the ability to play at whatever level they want to says Cleary who started for both the 1956 and the gold medal winning 1960 U.S. Olympic squads.

Although they have had no indication from any hockey officials, the Fuscos hope to be among the 80 players invited to the National Sports Festival in June From that pool a final team will be selected to train until the Olympics.

"I'd rather play in the Olympics than anywhere else," Scott says. "If I never played again after the Olympics I would be satisfied," adds the sophomore, who would have to take at least a semester off to play.

But for both brothers there could be a hockey future beyond the Olympics. The New Jersey Devils drafted Scott in the 11th round and then traded his rights to the Hartford Whalers. He says he wants to play professional hockey but only after he finishes college, adding that the Whalers understand they won't be able to lure him out of Bright Center until graduation.

As for Mark, he wasn't drafted and so becomes a free agent after the season. The senior defenseman thinks that most pro squads will be watching whether he makes the Olympic team before they start eyeing him seriously.

"I think a few months with the Olympic team could improve my hockey and my chances of getting into the pros," he comments.

One of those rooting hardest for the Fuscos to gain Olympic berths is Boston University Coach Jack Parker. "Mark's gone [by 1984], but I hope Scott makes the squad so he won't be playing against me," he jokes, adding more seriously. "You cannot tell how really good they are unless you really know the game."

If Mark and Scott do join the national team together, it would be the third time the duo has been paired on the same organized squad (after Harvard and Belmont Hill School). Their teamwork started when their father constructed a 40-ft by 70-ft rink in the backyard of the Fusco's Burlington, Mass home.

Every winter day they would go back and practice, learning each other's moves and idiosyncracies on the ice. The brothers would also watch each other's junior games, which further helped each learn his sibling's style of play.

"We work better together because we know each other better and have a lot of confidence in each other which comes with all the practicing we did." Mark says.