SPORTSBRIEFS

Author: Ryan Reese, Sports Edtors

Beaney named Sports Fellow

Bill Beaney, the head coach of men's hockey team as well as men's and women's golf teams, has added another outstanding award to his already extensive resume. The Institute for International Sport has recognized Beaney as a 2005 Sports Ethics Fellow. As the world's largest promoter of ethical and fair play as well as sportsmanship, the Institute's list of fellows includes the likes of Lance Armstrong, Mia Hamm, David Robinson and Bonnie Blair. As one of this year's 12 honorees, Beaney has continually and consistently promoted ethics and sportsmanship in his coaching.

Through supporting and demanding positive behavior from his players while playing, learning and living, Beaney has joined an elite group of coaches, athletes and administrators who are, in the words of the Chair of the Selection Committee Chuck Mitrano, "strong advocates in an effort to improve the sporting culture." Beaney has led the men's hockey team to six National Titles and a record 10 straight NCAA appearances in his 17 years at the helm. He has been named New England Coach of the Year three times and has earned the title of National Coach of the Year twice. Furthermore, on the links, his teams have won two NESCAC titles.


Crew rows through preseason

Even though Lake Champlain is still frozen over and cluttered with ice fishermen, the Middlebury crew team has already begun the spring thaw. With their sights set on the upcoming competition schedule and their annual Spring Break training trip to Miami, practices have started and muscles have begun to ache. In their team room, which is lovingly referred to as the "Sweat Shop," the Panther rowers have been working off the off-season rust throughout the week and during their patented "Friday Night Fight" workouts. With such an intense training session to kick off the weekend, Midd Crew members do not take these Fridays lightly.

Walking by the team room last Friday, all that could be heard were piercing screams. A brief look in the room revealed an exhausted rower pounding his way through a sprint while his teammates urged him on by screaming, "GO! GO! GO!" While the astounding team chemistry was clear, it seemed a little cruel to be screaming "GO" to a teammate on a stationary object that, by its very nature, cannot move.

With panoramic views of Miami around the room that serve as motivation, the squad is focused on attaining their goals. There is no doubt that the crew team's efforts in the preseason will carry them far during this year's competition schedule.


Phinney '05 up for Concannon

Brian Phinney '05 has been named as a semifinalist for the prestigious Joe Concannon Award. The recognition annually singles out the best American-born hockey player in the ranks of Division II and Division III. Phinney has spearheaded the stalwart Panther defense throughout the year.

Under his leadership, the always-tough defenders have allowed a low 1.86 goals per game. Not only does Phinney guard the net, he plays offense just as effectively. With six goals and 13 assists, the native Vermonter has totaled 19 points thus far in this year's campaign. According to the selection committee, the award not only recognizes outstanding play, but sportsmanship and character as well.

The committee has also stated that they will be watching the 13 semi-finalists' remaining games in order to finalize their opinions. As the Panthers head to Trinity for the Frozen Four, there is no doubt that Phinney will be focused on the business at hand. His talents will be showcased as he leads the way for the determined Panther squad. The award will be announced at the New England Hockey Writers' Dinner on Wednesday, April 13.