The MIT Harriers made an unsuccessful trip to Bates College to take on Bates and Tufts at Springbrook Golf Course. MIT expected to win for the 4th time in as many years, but instead came away losing to Tufts and Bates by a score of 28 - 49 - 52 respectively.

The team was hoping to rebound from last week's disappointing performance at the Dartmouth University Invitational. Tufts ran the race exactly the way MIT usually runs their races when on hilly courses, which is to start out slowly, work up to the front and take control after the last big hill. MIT did not go out exceptionally fast, and settled on a comfortable pace rather than staying aggressive as Bates did in front and Tufts did from behind. When Tufts caught up, MIT could not respond.

Leading the way for the Engineers was Mike Parkins '99 in 5th place. Mike has been the #1 runner all season. Fading by over 25 seconds in the final mile, but holding onto 9th place was Arnold Seto G. Closely following Arnie was Leif Seed in 10th. Freshman Chris McGuire continued to surprise as he held on for 4th on the team and 13th overall.

Coach Halston Taylor thinks the team may have dead legs from so much slow mileage with no real speed training, as well as some poor tactical running. "The team will be taking drastic measures to correct some earlier training problems and get back on track." "We have 7 weeks before we really need to be ready for the Championships, so I am not worried", says Coach Taylor.

This weekend the team travels to Cortland State College in New York for a major invitational. There will be over 30 colleges involved and at least 3 of the top 10 ranked teams in the country for Division III.