New-York tribune., 1921-11-06
l. Prirn, at 81,
Defeats Field
OF 68 Runners
Completes 6.Mile Race i'm
22:23, Which Will Stand
as Record; O'Connor I'd
BY Jack Masters


cran Of the Finnish american A. c.,
won his first title yesterday afternoon
when he defeated field of sixty-eight
Runners in the junior metropolitan
cross-country championship over the
rev six-miie intercollegiate course in
Van Cortlandt Park. The winners
time of SO minutes % seconds will
stand as the record for the new trail.
at least until the senior classic is de-
cided next Saturday.
The Finn. who was made the favorite
because Of his numerous recent VIC
tories in local road runs, exceeded the
expectations of his club connections
and turned the race into what prac-
tically amounted to a walkover. TAX
ing the lead as soon as the pack
Strengthened out. he was never
threatened and finished about three
hundred yars ahead of Jim o'Connor,
Milrose A. A., the second man, who
beat Jack Phillips, Paulist A. c.. for
the place by about fifteen yards.
The latest addition to the champion
snip CifClC litCS III tllS okOhN oAH 40 ~
product of Coach w;ncks, who also de-
veloped William Ritola, the junior ma
tiona1 cross-country title holder, Team
hcnors fell to the St. Anselin's A. c.,
With a low score of SO. The Mohawk
Finnish-American A. C. third with 66.
1900 Witness Long Race
More than 1000 persons gathered at
the starting point on the parade
grounds to witness the first title race
over the new course, which is a comb-
nation of grass, soft ground and macad-
amized road. The heart-breaking hills
which featured the layout have all
been eliminated, and this in large
measure is responsible for the fast time
of the winner.
In winning the title last April Joe
Losgar, st. Anse ms A. c., was clocked
in 35:24, three minutes and one second
slower than Prim's performance yes
terra.
Prim, the pacemaker, assumed his
place in front of the big pack almost
as sOo.. r.sy e.o ,Tas sent
away. and as the string of medal chas-
ers disappeared behind Cemetery Hill
the Finn led the procession by about
twenty yards. jim O'CoHnor. was sec
ond few ards in front OF the balance
OF the neld.
At the completion Of the first lap Of
three miles Prim had increased his ad
vantage to $50 yards, with the veteran
O'Connor holding second place by about
twentv five yards. G. Nilsson, also of
the Finnish club, was the third man,
York Il. c.. and
John Phillaps, Paulist A. c., leading the
Il IN the order named.
Prims time for the three miles was
Id: 90.
Prim Forces Fast Pace
The leader continued to force a kill
ing pace, and although he appeared
fresh many believed that he would
crack before the finish OF the long
grind, but instead of faltering Prim
again increased mis- stride and made
life so miserable for the opposition
that the most formidable contenders
were satisfied to let the Finn go and
start a private fight for second and
third places.
When the pack flashed into sight for
the final sprint t. the tape it was seen
that Prim had the race at his mercy.
and, running all by himself, he crossed
the line easeu up. O'Uonnor, wilo wise
ly reserved his strength for the strug
gle for the place, did not get the silver
medal without battle, and for few
NO. ~f~ II seemed tha+ Phillips would
beat him, but the Paulist man gave up
the fight about fifty yards from home.
The Summa rieS: