Dartmouth's student-athletes intramural sports count, at least in my book deserve recognition and a pat on the back for a job well done. This would happen on a regular basis if more students attended sporting events, but I already wrote about that once. As usual, my curious mind wanders, so let's get back to the point here. I'm a huge fan of judging all teams on the same playing field, even if some teams succeed more than others.
That's why I'm a known advocate of my own idea of having a fantasy draft in which Dartmouth students pick Big Green teams and points are awarded according to their performances. I will clearly win because I'll rig the league, but that's not the point.
Here are the intriguing athletes that have most impressed me with their timely performances or jaw-dropping plays over the past week:
Chris O'Dowd '13 and Ennis Coble '13
These two baseball players must think I am the biggest creeper ever. I keep touting their achievements and have never met either of them. (Blitz me anytime.) I will, however, continue this ongoing cheer-fest as long as they don't hit the "Rookie Wall" which I really hope they don't run into, seeing as postseason play is set to start soon.
Over the past three games, O'Dowd has been crushing the ball, batting .500 with three RBIs. You would think those stats alone make him the clear-cut frontrunner for Ivy League Rookie of the Year, but Coble isn't allowing anyone to take him out of the conversation.
Coble has compiled a .300 average over the past three games and is proving to be a run-scoring machine, with six runs over the same period of time. As I've said before, the race for Rookie of the Year is definitely between these two fine ballplayers, but I wouldn't bet my 401k on either one yet.Rhett Miller '11
Another athlete I don't know, but everyone on campus should. Miller, a mid-fielder on the men's lacrosse team, lit up Penn last Saturday with six goals. And if that wasn't enough, Miller soared like a flying squirrel to score the last of his six goals, which could only be more impressive if he had actual wings like a flying squirrel.
The Big Green is still clinging to hopes of making the postseason, which can only happen if other domino pieces fall into place. Here's to hoping Miller and Co. can soar like flying squirrels I promise that's the last time I'll say that and clinch a spot in the playoffs.Becca Dellenbaugh '10
I'm constantly telling everyone to keep an eye on the Dartmouth sailing team because they will spontaneously combust into a national powerhouse in the next year or so.
The team continues to be overlooked by many, however, which is a terrible mistake, considering jumping on the sailing team bandwagon right now will be as fruitful as if you had bought Apple stocks 10 years ago.
Dellenbaugh, along like the rest of the women's sailing team, clinched a berth to the National Semi-finals this past weekend. She was also named to the 2010 All New England Women's First Team Skippers, and if that wasn't enough, she was also nominated for the New England Women's Sailor of the Year Award. And I thought seniors had already cashed in all their chips come at the end of Winter.Psi Upsilon Fraternity
Ok, there's no need to tell me that I haven't picked just one or two athletes. I know I'm picking an entire fraternity, but did you see the mess they made on their lawn? It was awesome.
In their 168th annual "Mudbowl," the boys of Psi U picked up the ol' pigskin this past weekend and started a bit of competitive football.
There were many mud-splashing tackles made, and considering the field, a few plays deserved to be on the SportsCenter Top 10. But nevertheless, the boys from 7 Wheelock Street sure had their fair amount of fun during their "Mudbowl." Gentlemen, I'd like to congratulate you on a job well done.
For those of you who think Dartmouth athletes aren't legit, I hope I've proven you wrong. There are many student-athletes in Hanover that can spread their wings like flying squirrels and soar to new heights every game you just have to be there to see it.
Also, I lied and said "flying squirrels" again, and again.
