SPORTSBRIEFS

Author: BY RYAN REESE, SPORTS EDITOR

Equestrian prances at Midd

This past Sunday, the Middlebury equestrian team hosted its own invitational meet. With competitors traveling from throughout New England, the meet went off without a hitch. The team's stables, located in New Haven, Vt., were bustling all day as the competitors primped and prepped themselves and did the same for their trusty steeds. The English riders competed and upheld the proud and regal tradition that is equestrian, the sport of kings. With trusty mounts such as Iceman, Rowan and Hobbes, the University of Vermont (UVM) trotted and cantered their way to the title. The Panther squad did themselves proud as Coach Kate Selby noted that the meet "restored my faith in the Middlebury equestrian program." Captain, Mercy Trent '06, led the cavalry charge with a third place finish in jumping and brought home the second place red ribbon in the open flat competition. The team will not be back in the saddle again this year as the home meet was the last. As this year's equestrian season rides off into the sunset, one need not beat a dead horse in describing the 2005 campaign as a success.



Men's hockey hosts Frozen Four

The triumphant Middlebury men's hockey team skated to another victory this past Saturday night. The Panthers trounced visiting Curry College in a dominating display of offensive firepower and defensive fortitude. The 6-0 romp was a pleasant surprise as Curry was touted as the best offensive team in the country. Their ability to score goals did not make the trip up from Massachusetts and their golf season is already in full swing. As for the Panthers, they will play host to the NCAA Frozen Four this upcoming weekend. With the semi-finals being played on Friday, March 18 and the Champion being crowned the next day, there is no doubt that Kenyon Arena will be the site of some dramatic hockey.

Middlebury will face off against New England College in the second semi-final on Friday. New England won their quarterfinal match-up against Manhattanville by a count of 4-2. In the other game of the day, the always-dangerous Trinity Bantams will be taking on the team from the west, St. Thomas. All-access tickets that grant entrance to all the weekend's games are being sold for $25 dollars.



Digani '05 cruises at NCAAs

This past weekend, Middlebury's human bullet, Nick Digani '05 made his way to Bloomigton, Il. in order to compete in the NCAA Division III Championships. The competition was hosted at Illinois Wesleyan University and highlighted the country's best and brightest track stars. When Digani, an Illinois native, headed home to compete, he had accomplished one of his main objectives for the season simply by being invited to the national meet. With lofty goals, the senior lined up against his competitors in the men's 800m run. Digani was put in the slower heat and concluded his impressive indoor track career with a time of 1:55.67. A few weeks prior to the NCAAs, Digani handed in a stellar 1:53 that would have placed him in the top runners. He finished fourth in his respective heat and was edged out of the finals by 0.32 seconds. This blink of an eye denied the gutsy competitor the recognition of being an All-American. The outdoor season lies ahead and there is no doubt that the accomplished senior will end his Middlebury running career in high fashion.


NESCAC names smart squad

Upon conclusion of the majority of this year's winter sports action, the New England Small College Athletic Conference named their prestigious Winter All-NESCAC Academic Team. This honor is bestowed upon those athletes who have reached junior academic status. These student-athletes must earn a varsity letter in their respective sports and also maintain and uphold a grade point average of 3.35 or higher. Needless to say, many of Middlebury's athletes excel both on and off the field. Their achievements in the classroom mirror their success in competition. Twenty-five Panther athletes met these standards and were rewarded with this great recognition from the NESCAC. Nearly all of the winter sports had a representative on this squad. With such high demands in the classroom and taxing workouts and practices every day, these Panthers exemplify what it means to excel, succeed and dominate in multiple areas.