SPORTS BRIEFS

Author: RYAN REESE

Phinney '05 is All-American

He's done it again. The awards keep coming in for the Panther senior. Phinney led his squad through the NESCAC and NCAA playoffs and ultimately ended up hoisting a National Championship trophy high over his head for the second time in as many years. The senior defenseman was bestowed with one of the nation's most honored awards by being named as a first team All-American selection. This award came only days after Phinney was named to the second team All-NESCAC squad.

The quiet and hardworking defenseman held together the nation's top defense this season while the backwall let in only 1.71 goals per game. Also, the Panther defense was fifth in the nation when it came to killing off penalties.

Phinney stepped up big in the NESCAC championship game against Bowdoin by scoring two goals while dishing out an assist to move the Panthers through to the NCAA tournament. The Ripton, Vt. native ended his Middlebury hockey career with some impressive numbers. He played in 113 games and closed out his four year stay with 28 goals and 48 assists. The most glaring statistic of all are the two championship rings to which he holds claim.

With hockey season over and the ultimate goal accomplished, Phinney will strap on another set of pads as he joins the highly ranked lacrosse team in search of yet another national title.



Spring IM sports heat up

With the snow gone and the mud loosening its grip, the intramural spring sports campaign is right around the corner. With opportunities in soccer, golf, the triathlon, tennis and maybe other really cool sports that I don't even know about, there is no doubt that competition will be in the air.

All of these sports are well and good; however, the true spirit of IM sports is embodied in Middlebury's highly competitive and highly skilled softball league. With a men's league that is characterized by ridiculously strong football and baseball players slamming away at rainbow watermelons, an afternoon score of 36-28 is not anything to second guess.

In the co-ed division, skill, style and finesse are key aspects to success. It is hard to deny the style of a squad like the G-Spot. This Wonnacott-based team is chock-full of Charlie Hustles and will undoubtedly bring out their flashy uniforms that consist of day-glow green and gold. This group brings a lot of bling and play the intimidation card early in the spring as they can be seen holding regular, mandatory practice sessions.

The ragtag group known as the Pearsons/Forest boys always play tough as well. This "Bad News Bears" style squad will fool you with their nonchalant, un-uniformed approach, but will get your attention with their slamming bats and well-trained, well-practiced and well-coached defense. Also, some might point to a conspiracy in the fact that the league's commisioner is a proud member of this squad. Experts doubt this to be true as these players are known for being ambassadors of the game and for displaying good sportsmanship at all times.

Last year's reigning champs are none other than the always-dangerous Xi Omega Great White Yaks. This band of hardcore Atwater sluggers bring the heat wherever they happen to be. They are classified by their desire and heart as well as their classy, customized uniforms. Look for the Yak to come out with some new apparel and the same old desire to dominate.

There is no doubt that new up-and-comers could shake up the upper echelon of the coed league; however, expect these three intramural powerhouses to be in the running come title time. Bust out your gloves and your spikes, because spring and softball are in the air.