SPORTSBRIEFS

Author: RYAN W. REESE, SPORTS EDITOR

Snow Bowl set to open slopes

Since the winter's first true snow fell this past weekend, many Midd kids were finally satisfied to know that the white stuff and winter sports are on their way. Middlebury's own Snow Bowl has announced that its tentative opening day is this coming Saturday, Dec. 10. There is little doubt that the hills will be crowded with zealous Vermonters eager to get the season underway. Although Killington has been open since late October, and Stowe followed close behind, the Snow Bowl has been waiting for some more help from good old Mother Nature. The crews have been making snow recently on the slopes and hope that this combination will get the mountain up and running by this weekend.

This convenient getaway is a great resource to the College community and is great for quick trips after class and low-key ski days with friends. The Bowl offers great trails for learners, a few decent higher-level trails as well as some glade areas to rip through. Passes are available online this year and are, once again, very reasonably priced. Middlebury College faculty and student passes are only $125 and are good for the entire season. To order, go to the athletics website and click on "Snow Bowl" in the left-hand margin.

Pick up your pass, tune up your skis and get another ski season in Vermont underway this weekend.



IM hockey sharpens its blades

Since early October, dedicated skaters have been working on their respective skills during intense open-ice practice sessions. But this past week, the always-tough Middlebury intramural hockey season cut the ceremonial red tape on the '05-'06 season. Commissioners Eric "Squirrely" Merkelson '06 and Sarah "Rad"Osevich '06 have been impressed with play and are predicting one of the better overall seasons in recent IM history. With many competitive teams in all divisions, playoff races look to be tight. The A League has more talent than ever, and the B League has some teams that leave it all on the ice every night.

With the graduation of much of the hardcore Bula squad, there is a new spot open at the top of the B League. Although the Staff Infection, led by Matthew Biette and Dean Longman, is a strong force, they will likely be eclipsed by the ever-present Xi Omega Great White Yak Sports Franchise.

The Yaks graduated a defensive rock, Eric Johnson '05, but have worked hard in the off-season to pick up the slack. Led by Coach/Forward Hannah Delong '06, this squad looks sharp and smart on the ice.

The first-years are still untested but will certainly look to make a name for themselves. But at this point, the coveted T-shirt is very much up for grabs.