The lead that rookie Olivia Alford established for Brandeis' 1,600-meter relay team at the second-annual Reggie Poyau '04 Memorial track meet last weekend increased with every lap, just as expected.In addition to running the first leg of the winning relay team, Alford placed third in the 55-meter dash and second in the 200-meter run. All three finishes earned vital points for the Judges, who finished in first place out of seven teams by only one point over New York University.

This is the second consecutive meet that Alford has shown signs of a promising career to come, and she earned UAA Athlete of the Week honors for her three first-place finishes at last weekss Bowdoin Invitational.

The proud native of Orono, Maine, has found a home on the Brandeis track team and in the classroom, where she is thinking about majoring in Health: Science, Society, and Policy. She is taking the task of balancing athletics and academics in stride.

"Our coach makes it easy for us to balance track and classes. We have two or three tough practices a week which leaves time for studies," Alford said.

It seems that Alford has never had any difficulty finding this balance. While at Orono High School, she was a member of the soccer, softball and track teams, and involved with many clubs, including the yearbook committee. A natural athlete, her stint as a midfielder earned her a place on many all-star soccer teams, and her presence on the track is remembered by the records she set in numerous events.

Now Alford has her sights set on leaving an imprint on the Brandeis women's track team.

"She is a good competitor and very likable," coach Mark Reytblat said. "Everyone is friendly to her and she is friendly to everyone else. And she is a very versatile runner, able to compete in any of the sprinting races."

Alford has experienced a smooth transition from high school to college, and credits the quality of people she has encountered at Brandeis with easing the transistion.

"Everyone here is so nice," she said. "People have a lot of respect for others here. It's really a nice place to be and learn."

Alford's affable personality is also noticed by her teammates.

"Olivia is very talented, and has been a great addition to the team," said tri-captain Remy Coyle '07.

When not at practice, Alford enjoys exploring Boston, catching up on sleep and eating ice cream. She is looking forward to improving on the track, particularly in her favorite event, the 1,600-meter relay.

"Even though I complain about it, the [1,600-meter] relay is my favorite event," Alford says. "And we are definitely getting better every race, so it's a lot of fun."

Alford will get a chance to continue her successful collegiate debut next weekend when she and the Judges travel to Boston University for the Terrier Classic.