2008 Woodie Awards
For most teams, the home opener is a source of both excitement and nervousness. For this year's women's hockey team, it was far more the former than the latter as they rolled over Conn. College by a score of 6-0 on Friday night before holding off Amherst in a thrilling 1-0 contest on Saturday afternoon.
Former collegiate swimmer President Ronald D. Liebowitz and his family were among the many members of the college community who showed up at the Natatorium on Saturday for the men's and women's swimming and diving teams' first dual meet of the season against Amherst.
Women's basketball split its weekend series against two New York teams, defeating Skidmore 64-48 on Friday night in Pepin Gymnasium before traveling to Schenectady on Saturday where they fell to Union 71-58. Friday night's festivities began on a rather unusual note, as a rare December thunderstorm greeted fans headed to the game with flashes of lightning occurring not far from the Athletic complex.
At the beginning of the year, Men's Hockey Coach Bill Beaney admitted that this year's schedule, which alternates every year from playing teams at home and on the road, was the more difficult one. "A lot of the traditionally toughest teams are away," he said, citing "the Maine trip" as an example because, "the last time we had two games up at Maine we lost both of them.
Four consecutive road games. A record-breaking win. There were many reasons for the Middlebury men's basketball team to be revved up for its home opener against Rensselaer in Pepin Gymnasium last Thursday night. How much were the Panthers looking forward to finally stepping onto their home floor? "For me the first home game is always the most exciting," said Andrew Harris '08, who led all scorers with 21 points, including four three-point baskets.
With a view overlooking the climbing wall and indoor tennis courts in the Nelson, newly appointed Athletic Director Erin Quinn '86 takes a seat at his desk. It is only his fourth month on the job, but what makes many confident he will handle his work soundly is that he brings a valuable perspective to the position.
Over the last few days, amid much work, I have been asserting my right as a European to skip class in order to watch football - the Champions League to be exact. Final papers, group projects (sorry guys) and any other obligation will be postponed, or simply ignored, as I watch ESPN2.
With three NESCAC and NCAA championships already under her belt, Shannon Sylvester '07 along with her women's hockey team have a strong desire to continue these two streaks. After an opening night loss to Plattsburgh, the Panthers have gotten back to their winning ways and look to be a contender come March.
M/W soccer players honored Five members of the Panther soccer squads have earned NSCAA All-New England honors for their performances this fall. Kim Walker '07, Zack Toth '07 and Casey Ftorek '08 all were named to the first-team, while Caitrin Abshere '07 was named to the second-team and Dave Lee '07 was selected to the third-team.