As the spring approaches, Russell has his eyes set on another Harvard mark-the hammer throw record set in 1980 by Tom Lenz at 213.4 meters.

"I hope I can convert from the weight, which is more of a strength event, to the hammer. The hammer is better suited to me because it requires speed and technique," he said.

Dominance

His speed and technique will help him overcome many of his competitors. The NCAA drug-testing regulations will also help him as he will not have to face the "Steroid Monsters" who have beaten him in previous seasons.

Russell refuses to make predictions about the future. "You can never tell how you're going to do in the next season," he said. "Your training might not be right or you might have too much studying to do."

Haggerty, however, has high expectations for his prized thrower. He believes that Russell can swing the hammer over 220 meters and be among the top four throwers in the nation.

Although he attributes much of his success to hard work, he does not overlook the influence of his coaches.

"I'm very fortunate that Al [Bashian] is a great coach. He's what a true coach should be," Russell said of his throwing coach. "He's responsible not only for keeping me where I am, but he's also responsible for keeping my interest alive in the sport."

Russell has too much fun with his coaches and teammates to lose interest in the sport.

Haggerty kids with him about St. Patrick's Day in an imitation brogue. Sophomore Joe Giani, also a weight thrower, laughed, "there are a lot of things I'd like to say about James, but I'd better not say them."

Russell said that his performance does not mean as much to him now as it will in the future.

"Thirty years down the road, you'll see your name up on the board," he said. "That's when you'll want to be wearing your letter sweater and you'll be proud of what you did."