SPORTSBRIEFS

Author: ZAMIR AHMED

LAX star Ed Brown '05 goes pro

Ed Brown '05 recently achieved the dream of most undergraduates around the country - he got a job after graduation. However, unlike most of his peers, Brown will be making his living playing professional lacrosse.

The San Jose Stealth made Brown the final selection in the first round of the National Lacrosse League draft by taking the All-American defenseman with the 11th pick.

Brown faces a number challenges in his transition to the big leagues, among them playing indoors and adjusting to a short stick. The Stealth still believe that Brown will have a big impact on a team that went 4-12 last season in the near future, primarily because of his toughness and education. Brown also knows what it is like to play under pressure, having helped the Panthers reach the NCAA title game the past three years. Brown's first chance to prove himself will come in tryouts in October where he hopes to make the team for its 2006 season beginning in January.



X-Country to host invitational

The cross-country season kicks off this weekend as Middlebury will play host to local rivals at the annual Panther Invitational. Both the men's and women's teams will look to lay down a strong foundation for the rest of the year and hopefully a run to the NCAA Championship meet.

The men's team heads into their season full of confidence, having coming off a strong preseason. "Everyone was really flying at our scrimmage in Williams last week," said Co-Captain Garrott Kuzzy '06. "We're looking to significantly improve against our NESCAC rivals this year."

Besides Kuzzy and co-captains Baker Lyon '06 and Nolan Sandygren '06, Jimmy Butcher '08 and Will McDonough '07 should provide a great spark for the Panthers. Chris Pelliccia '07 will be one of the dark horses on the team and the incoming first-year squad should make an impact on the team right away.

Last year, the women fell just short in their bid to win their fourth NCAA Championship, finishing second behind Williams at the national meet. The team will look to build on that experience this year. "We left on a pretty good note," said Co-Captain Jennifer Jorvig '06. "We are just looking to go from there this season."

Along with Jorvig, co-captains Kelsey Rinehart '06 and Claire Anderson '06 will look to lead the Panthers back to a national title. Andrea Giddings '07 and a strong group of underclassmen should also contribute significantly to the team's performance.

In addition to running in front of their friends this weekend's meet will come with another benefit for the Panthers. "Our course is a tough one to start out on," said Jorvig. "After this it gets easier as the season goes on."



Intramural action on the way

Middlebury students will have a chance next week to add to their already busy schedules as the fall intramural season is set to kick off. This autumn, students will have the opportunity to compete in a variety of individual and team events, ranging from football to volleyball to badminton, as well as in coed or single-sex leagues. There will also be a few one-time events where students can show off their athletic prowess. The annual fall triathlon will be held in early October and decide Middlebury's best all-around athlete.

The effect of the upcoming intramural season on the student body can already be seen on campus as hundreds of students rush to get in shape. The fitness center has been packed in recent days with students looking to tone up while the current good weather has allowed runners to come out in droves. All those looking for a little friendly competition and exercise should apply.