By defeating Niles West, 20‑41, the varsity cross country team became conference champions Monday night. It looked as if Maine West was competing against itself as Warrior runners came in with Vie Oakley, second, 11:20; Mike Canar, third, 11:21; Ron Erdman, fourth, 11:26; Scott Taylor, fifth, 11:27; and Bob Wagner, sixth, 11:28.

Competing against 22 schools in the district cross country meet held here last Saturday, West's team placed eleventh. Through the mud and water of West's rain‑soaked course, the teams finished with Mike Canar, 33; Ron Erdmann, 49; Scott Taylor, 59; Vie Oakley, 64; and Bob Jonas, 85.

Waiting until the last quarter mile before making their move, the Warriors defeated Prospect, 24‑31, on October 24. It looked as if the thin‑dads were through until the Warriors turned on the speed and finished with

Oakley second, 10:51; Erdmann, third, 11:00; Taylor, fourth, 11:02; Canar, fifth, 11:03; and Wagner, sixth, 11:10.

Running in the conference meet, held at Willowbrook on Friday, October 20, the team placed third out of the 12 teams

competing. Oakley finished seventh and received a medal for his performance. The Warriors finished with Oakley, seventh, Canar, 21; Taylor, 23; Wagner, 25; Witkay, 30; and Johns, 39.

The top runner from Maine West finished first only once. "The team turned in good performances because it has depth and all of the top runners work as a team without one outstanding runner," related Coach William Barringer.

Conference seemed a lost hope at the beginning after losing to Barrington and Glenbard East. With a terrific comeback, the thin‑dads closed the season with a record of 6‑1‑1.

Losing the services of Lee Wolf for the season, the Warriors were hampered early in the fall. To offset this, however, they received a stroke of luck when Scott Taylor '63, transferred from Iowa.

The spirit of the thin‑dads was outstanding They wore bells on their spikes so they could group together to keep each other going. In their closing meet against Niles West, members of the team hung a sign on the goal post, "Beat Niles," and it was with this spirit they came out champions.