On Saturday, MIT Men's Cross Country Team, played host to nationally ranked Tufts (8th), and Bates (24th) at Franklin Park. On a warm, but dry and breezy day, MIT's harriers ran their plan, patiently worked their way through the opposing team's runners, and ended up winning in the last mile of the five mile race by a score of 35 to 42 for Tufts, and 48 to Bates.

The race began with eventual winner, Michael Danahy from Bates, Matt Lyons from Tufts, and Mark Strauss '01, Mike Parkins '99, and Dan Feldman '02, from MIT, leading the way through a fast but controlled 5:00 first mile. Both Tufts and Bates had over 10 runners each in front of MIT's next runners, who came through in 5:15.

By the second mile mark, the same 5 were leading the way, with a wide gap separating them from the rest of the runners who were packed in small groups. MIT's 4-7 runners were still behind at least eight Tuft's runners, but had closed the gap somewhat.

The third mile, which is partly run through the "wilderness loop", was where MIT made up the most ground. They had already reeled in most of the Bate's runners, and had the Tuft's runners in sight.

By the time they came out of the wilderness for the second time, enroute to the 4th mile mark, Ed Keehr '01, and Frank Johnston '00 had completely closed the gap on Tuft's 3-6 runners. Ed then ran a fantastic last mile, catching all four Tuft's runners to lead MIT to victory.

Danahy, who had fallen behind Strauss during the 4th mile, had a furious charge in the last half-mile. He opened up a small gap on Strauss and held on for a 2 second victory in 25:29. Parkins was nine seconds behind and was followed by Lyons and Patterson from Tufts. Feldman held on for 6th place.

Showing their depth, MIT place 13 runners ahead of Tuft's 9th runner and Bates 10 runner. Next week, MIT is again at Franklin Park for the annual Codfish Bowl, hosted by UMass/Boston.

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