"A lot of guys PR'd [achieved a personal record], including myself by some 30-plus seconds," Baker said. "Furthermore we haven't even started tapering yet, so there's a lot of room to still improve in the weeks ahead."

Just as Harvard Coach Frank Haggerty '68's training schedule intends, it seems this team should continue to improve through the month of October, up to the Region One Championships on November 13th at Harvard's home course, Franklin Park.

Harvard women

This trend of improvement, however, was not limited to the men's team. Several members of the women's team enjoyed good races as well, with Helms leading the way (19th-18:25), followed closely by captain LeAnn Hymas (36th-18:48), who enjoyed a time improvement over her Fordham Invitational time at the 5K distance.

"We're right on track," Helms said. "We're improving week by week, looking to have our best performance at Heps [Heptagonal Championships]."

Though not to the same degree as the freshmen on the men's squad, the "fresh ladies," as Haggerty is fond of calling them, are making unprecedented progress. Top freshman Alaina Aguanno finished sixth among Harvard runners on Saturday.

But, more immediately, these young teams will square off with arch-rival Yale in a dual meet on Friday in New Haven. Led by seasoned upperclassmen, while revitalized by a large handful of upstart frosh, these Harvard teams expect to do quite well, perhaps as a sign of the many successful things to come.