The men's team graduated only two significant members from last year, runners Scott Muoio '99 and Joe Ciollo '99. Unfortunately, those two were counted upon to consistently place in multiple events, especially Ciollo.

This makes them very difficult to replace.

Harvard was also hurt by sprinter Kevin Worrell's decision not to continue track this season. Worrell was the Crimson's top-placing freshman last year.

Despite the losses, Harvard can still improve on last year's sixth-place finish at Heptagonals if the team can stay injury-free.

Captain Darren Dinneen, hampered by injuries throughout his Harvard career, missed the indoor Heps last year, but he rebounded to qualify for the NCAA championships in the outdoor season.

This year Dinneen looks to regain the form that once made him the No. 2 high school runner in the country.

"This is the longest period that Darren has trained since he was a high school senior," Haggerty said. "This is the most mileage he's every done consistently."

Junior sprinter Chuck Nwokocha was hit by hard luck at the indoor Heps last year. Coming in with high hopes after finishing second in the 55 as a freshman, Nwokocha pulled his hamstring while crossing the finish line as he won his qualifying heat. He was unable to race in the final.