However, the 1999 season has made for a different scenario--going into the last game of the season, it is Yale who is looking to walk off with the Ivy championship. Deadlocked at the top with Brown at 5-1, Yale is hoping for a Bear loss and a Bulldog win to capture the Ivy title outright. Harvard could play the role of the spoiler, however such circumstances do not play into Menick's motivations.

"What place we're in, who's playing who--I have to be honest, none of those things effect the way you play," he said.

"It doesn't matter if you're 10-0 or 0-10. Every single game is just as important as the next, even if it doesn't mean winning a championship. Because that game is a test of your character and how much pride you have in yourself and your desire to win and be the best that you can possible be."

But that is not to say that Menick isn't pumped for this weekend.

They have a very balanced offense and balanced attack," Menick said. " I can't wait to play Yale. They're real good this year, and I love playing against really good teams. I love the challenge. I am really excited."

Parity might be the only way to describe this year Ivy's season--even last weekend's games pitting top seeds Brown and Yale against both 1-4

Dartmouth and Princeton saw two closely contested games. Brown edged

Dartmouth by just a touchdown; Yale escaped a Princeton upset, winning 23-21.

But parity is not an adjective that describes Menick's season, or for that matter, his career.

Indeed, by putting 20 pounds onto his frame over the off-season, Menick has added potency to his inside running. Hitting the weight room "made my inside running more effective, being able to knock people over."

However, Chris is quick to point out the contributions of his teammates.

"The offensive line has been opening up holes all year for me--a great group of guys," he said. "And we have a really good group of receivers this year."

And even though he has been the driving force behind Harvard's potent offense, which scored the most points ever in a single game in the Ivy League against Dartmouth this year and boasts the best rushing offense in the league, Menick is firm believer that defense is the key to victory.

"That's the name of the game--defense wins games," he said.

His off-field relationships with his teammates are equally strong.