National qualifications graced Gordon Track and Tennis Center this past Saturday at the triangular men's track meet versus Boston College and Rice University. In search of qualifying times, Rice competed on Gordon Track, known as a "fast track" in racing communities.

Rice and Harvard each achieved provisional qualifications for Nationals in the attention-grabbing distance medley relay. Spectators were on the verge of hysteria during the first two legs of the relay where Harvard struggled against Rice's sprint power.

Though Rice's first leg snatched the lead from the start, senior co-captain Matt Bundle narrowed the gap to four meters and handed the baton to a gutsy Joe Ciollo, who stayed with Rice's 400 meter-man until the last 200 meters. While senior Darren Shearer, a Crimson editor, held Harvard's position with a strong 1,200 meter leg, junior co-captain Ian Carswell hunted down Rice's fourth man at the start of his mile leg.

Carswell finally pulled ahead on the bell lap and barrelled through the finish in a time of 9:48.47, compared to Rice's 9:53.80.

Although most relay members hit their projected times, Carswell remained nonchalant.

"There's definitely room for improvement," Carswell said. "We are no where near our [personal records]."

Besides Rice's 800 meter qualification, junior Stephen Brannon and freshman Ken Hughes almost came within reach of Eastern Championship qualification.

Brannon won the pole vault with a season's best of 16'3".

"Next meet I'll vault 17 feet," Brannon said.

Achieving a personal record for shot put in his fourth collegiate meet, Hughes threw 16.89 meters for the gold.

"I'm hoping to qualify for Nationals this year," Hughes said. "I [attained a personal record] this weekend, and qualification is only 18 meters."

The men's team performed well in every area, from field events to running.

Senior Terrence Mann won high jump with a season's best of 2.01 meters, just missing Eastern Championship qualifications. Having healed from a protracted injury, Mann was happy with his performance.

"Anytime you finish with all your limbs and in one piece, that's a good meet," Mann said.

Earning second in high jump, sophomore Josh Nicholson also ran a smooth 55 meter hurdles race for a silver.

Winning the 3000 meter run in 8:20.71, junior Killian Lonergan breezed to victory. Lonergan led the race until the end but was unaware of a fast-approaching Rice runner, Louis Armentaros, who almost caught Lonergan at the tape. Lonergan has already qualified nationally in the 5K.

But behind the individual performances is a team spirit. With its confidence bolstered by impressive performances against Rice, the Harvard track team is looking to win the Heptagonal Championships at Dartmouth at the end of the February.