SPORTSBRIEFS

Author: TOM McCANN AND ZAMIR AHMED, SPORTS EDITORS

Bane '08 wins Rookie of the Year

Sophomore Harrison Bane, one of Middlebury's finest golfers, has been recognized for his phenomenal performances for the men's golf team by being named the NESCAC Rookie of the Year.

He has been in fine form for the Panthers all year, but none more so than his recent showing at the NESCAC Golf Championship held at Williams over the weekend of Oct. 1-2. Over the two-day event, he shot a combined score of 149 that put him two shots off the score, which won the event outright, and earned him the title of low-scoring rookie. However, this magnificant performance also won the sophomore a place on the All-NESCAC first-team - a remarkable achievement for a rookie in any sport, let alone one that relies on absolute individual ability. Already a jewel in the crown, Bane has plenty of time to leave a real mark on the men's golf program here at Middlebury.



Lindy Hop Club provides alternate phys-ed credit

There is good news for everyone who likes to get down on the dance floor and is looking to earn a precious physical education credit. This fall, Middlebury's Lindy Hop Club has qualified as a physical education class, a move that has enticed many students to join and take part in this fun and rising group.

The Club offers both beginner and intermediate lessons in lindy hop for students and members of the community from 7- 9 on Monday nights in the McCullough Social Space. The Club also holds an open dance following the lessons for all students. Lindy hop is similar to swing dance, combining African, European and American dance elements to create a flowing, joyful style.

The Club does not constrain itself to events on campus. Students often travel to workshops around the area where they learn from expert lindy hoppers and network with other groups of dancers. The group also takes part in lindy hop social events throughout Vermont, including traveling to a dance this Friday in Burlington.



Men's golf plays through rain

The Middlebury men's golf team recently wrapped up two tournaments over the past week in their final tune-ups before the end of the fall season. The Panthers managed to overcome the rainy weather but could not muster enough firepower against their NESCAC foes. The team finished fourth at the Skidmore Fall Classic and took home fifth place out of 16 teams at the Hamilton Invitational.

Leading the Panthers through the week was Chad Bellmare '07. Bellmare finished with the silver in Skidmore, shooting a 72 to finish one shot behind the medalist, and added a two-day total of 154 in Hamilton to tie for ninth. Right behind Bellmare was NESCAC Rookie of the Year Harrison Bane '08 with a seventh-place showing at Skidmore and tying for 17th at Hamilton.

The Panthers were hurt this past week by their inability to register quality scores from their fourth and fifth players. One bright spot for the team this week was edging ahead of rival Williams at the Hamilton Invitational, a feat they had yet to achieve this year. With the winter off-season approaching, the Panthers will have one last chance to put up impressive numbers, this time at the season-ending New England Intercollegiate Golf Association Championships on Oct. 17-18.