The Eastern Intercollegiate Skiing Championships were not quite the springboard the Dartmouth ski team had expected heading into the NCAA Championships next month -- the team finished a disappointing third.
The University of Vermont returned to the top spot after being temporarily dethroned last weekend by the Big Green. Middlebury also came out ahead of Dartmouth, capturing second place by 10 points for its best overall finish of the season.
As usual, Jen Collins '99 was a bright spot for the Big Green, as she cruised to victory in both the women's slalom and giant slalom.
It seems clear that when the Dartmouth ski team competes for the NCAA Championship in two weeks, Collins will be the Big Green's best hope for an individual title. She has dominated the carnival circuit this winter, winning every race she has finished and nine out of 10 overall.
The hopes of the men's alpine team appear more evenly distributed.
J. P. Daigneault '97 was the top Dartmouth finisher in both the slalom and giant slalom, as he finished third in both. Daigneault has had a strong second half of the season and looks strong heading into the NCAA's; however, he should have considerable help from his teammates when they race for an NCAA title.
Andy Martin '96 has been the most consistent skier on the squad, coming away with two race victories. Peter Ruprecht '98, Ben Robinson '98, Andy Pennock '99 and Jamie Reigle '99 have also shown the potential for victory with top three finishes throughout the season.
The Dartmouth ski team has the week off, but will be returning to action March 6-10 at the University of Montana in Bozeman, where the Big Green will compete in the NCAA Championships.
