Who is the most influential athlete in Skidmore College history?

Posted by Katie Peverada

Skidmore College isn't exactly known for producing professional athletes. But believe it or not, Skidmore has a rich athletic tradition. With the help of Professor Mary C. Lynn, her book about the history of Skidmore College (Make No Small Plans), and other Skidmore College faculty, I aim to piece together this history for you.
This week, I examine the origins of athletics at Skidmore College, which of course would not have been possible without Skidmore's most influential athlete: Lucy Scribner.

Skidmore's athletic teams are often the victim of the student body's apathy towards anything not artsy and avant-garde. However, sports at Skidmore College have been around just as long as the college has, and Lucy Scribner herself was behind them. Sports were a huge part of the early Skidmore education and co-curricular life.
In the early 20th century, the ideal physical health was achieved by daily cold showers, as recommended by Dean Sarah Gridley Ross and the physical education faculty. Skidmore, though, started physical activities back when it was known as the Young Women's Industrial Club and not even a fully-accredited college. These activities? Clogging, folk dancing and calisthenics.
According to Professor Mary C. Lynn's book on the history of Skidmore, Make No Small Plans, all these activities were "aimed at making students graceful ornaments to society." In fact, individual competition was discouraged because it didn't make the students "graceful ornaments," it made them "unfeminine."
Lucy Scribner, Skidmore's founder, was very in touch with the school after its founding, staying involved in social activities and club meetings, and continuing to implement progressive changes. Scribner, who herself exercised daily, always stressed the physical health of students, and the mission of Skidmore College reflected that from the beginning.
Scribner wanted to instill a healthy life-style mantra within the curriculum of Skidmore as well. A physical education major began to be offered in 1918. According to Professor Lynn, Skidmore was known for educating a very large percentage of the physical education teachers in the Northeast.
In 1920, Skidmore even began to offer a Physical Education camp, in which two teams of students, the Pis and the Pics, competed against each other in soccer, tennis, field hockey, lacrosse, archery, canoeing, riding, hiking and camp craft.
Despite having to compete with societal norms, like becoming graceful ornaments, the female students were able to start competing on some teams, just not with other schools.
Instead, Skidmore's women were deeply involved in interclass and club sports. The women often spent the falls playing field hockey and the winters playing basketball. And instead of playing against other schools, class teams played each other in basketball, soccer, swimming, volleyball and field hockey. Often times, the best individual players from these class teams formed one "varsity" team and competed against local club teams.
By 1976, Skidmore had varsity sports for both men and women. Tennis, basketball, swimming, and field hockey were played by women, and tennis, soccer and basketball were played by men.
Of course these teams needed a new mascot, as "Wombats" just wasn't cutting it. In 1981, the Skidmore College Wombats became the Skidmore College Thoroughbreds, and the school colors became yellow, white and dark green.
Today, there are 19 varsity athletic teams that compete on various fields and in various buildings. However, those teams and facilities weren't always there, and some are relatively new in Skidmore's sporting history. And, of course, none of this would have been possible without Skidmore's most influential athlete, Lucy Scribner.
Skidmore has a rich tradition that is, unfortunately, relatively unknown. Do you know when the first athletic field was purchased? Or that Skidmore is undefeated in football? How did Title IX affect Skidmore compared to other schools?
My goal with these reports is to inform you about the athletic history of Skidmore College athletics, Because yes, we have one.

Bellotti, Blackhurst take home Liberty League honors

Posted by Katie Peverada

The fall sports season is winding down, but Skidmore athletes are still putting their all on the field. This past week, two female Thoroughbreds were recognized by the Liberty League for their achievements in helping their teams win playoff-implicating games.

Christine Bellotti '14 - Women's Soccer - Honor Roll
Bellotti netted two goals in Skidmore's win against the Tigers of RIT, both coming in the final 10 minutes of play. The Thoroughbreds were down 1-0 with 10 minutes to go when Bellotti was able to run onto a service from Kelly O'Donnell. Eight minutes later, and with less than a minute to go in regulation, Bellotti broke the tie when she corralled a loose ball in the 18 and found the back of the net.
At 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26, Bellotti and her fellow seniors take on St. Lawrence in their Senior Game.

Kelly Blackhurst '14 - Field Hockey - Offensive Performer of the Week
In Skidmore's 5-2 victory over Williams College, Blackhurst netted three goals and added two assists. Those eight points, which were a season-high for Blackhurst, bring her season total and team-leading point total to 48 points (19 G, 10 A). Blackhurst now has six goals in her last two games and ranks ninth nationally in goals per game with 1.36, and seventh nationally in points per game with 3.43.
Blackhurst and the Thoroughbreds take on the University of Rochester at 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25, and William Smith College at p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26 .

NBA Talk: Western Conference Predictions

Posted by Andrew Shi

The season finally starts next Tuesday. Here are my predictions for the final Western Conference rankings:

1. The Los Angeles Clippers:

They ended last season in fourth and had a productive offseason, adding some fire power with J.J Redick , Jared Dudley and Antawn Jamison. Byron Mullens will be an effective backup for Deandre Jordan, and rookie Reggie Bullock showed some real potential during the Las Vegas Summer League. The loss of Eric Bledsoe will take a toll on the bench but will be mostly mitigated with the addition of Darren Collison. Overall the bench is much better than last year's. The real x factor for this team will be the starting front court, namely if Jordan and Blake Griffin can toughen up their defensive and put up some points instead of just making the highlight reel. Having Doc Rivers as coach will undoubtedly help, and Jordan is already putting up brilliant stats in preseason games. But this ranking is just as much because of their improvement as it is the unimpressive off-seasons of their closest competitors.

2. The Oklahoma City Thunder

They were the best team last year and were projected to reach the finals until they lost Russell Westbrook to injury in the first round. They had a quiet offseason, but letting go Kevin Martin will exact a noticeable toll on their bench and scoring. Too much now rides on sophomore Jeremy Lamb to pick up that slack. The Thunder still have a very good bench and two of the top five players, assuming Westbrook returns to full prowess. Serge Ibaka also looks like he made a huge jump in productivity over the summer. The Thunder could easily reclaim their slot at No.1 if Westbrook returns soon enough.

3. The San Antonio Spurs

Another team with a quiet offseason. They lost Gary Neal who proved himself as a dangerous shooter during the playoffs, but the addition of Marco Belinelli offsets that loss for the most part. Overall, the same team, but another year older. Yet the rise of Kawhi Leonard and the inexplicable phenomena that this team is ageless may just leave this team better this year than last year.

4. The Golden State Warriors

They lost some valuable players but added even more valuable ones. The absence of Jarrett Jack and Carl Landry will take a toll on the bench, but the addition of all-star Andre Iguodala alone compensates for that. A player that can put up points, Iguodala's real value comes from his tenacious defense. Adding Toney Douglas, Marreese Speights and Jermaine O'Neal helps keep the bench healthy. Harrison Barnes will only get better but much rides on the ability of Andrew Bogut to stay healthy. When he is, he's arguably a top five center and a second-chance producing machine with his offensive rebounds.

5. The Houston Rockets:

Dwight Howard-- that's all that really needs to be said. So far the pairing of James Harden and Howard appears to be a match made in heaven. Their bench also looks championship ready with Ronnie Brewer, Omri Casspi, Patrick Beverley and Marcus Camby. The only deficiencies this team faces are having two centers start in a league that has shifted to smaller, nimbler lineups and having a decent, but turnover-prone point guard Jeremy Lin.

6. The Memphis Grizzlies:

Adding Mike Miller and Kosta Koufas empowers their reserves and Miller and Josh Akognon should alleviate the team's lack of shooters, but overall not too many large moves except for a new coach. They were in fifth last year and with other teams making big moves, they moved back a little by standing still. However, they're still a title contender

7. The Denver Nuggets

After the Grizzlies, the next two slots are truly open. Despite an awful offseason, this team is still good enough to make the playoffs. The loss of Andre Iguodala is devastating as he was the keystone to their defense. The absence of Kosta Koufas and Corey Brewer, while they were key reserves, are a smaller distraction. Adding J.J Hickson and Nate Robinson brings some scoring power to their bench, but Randy Foye, who is expected to replace Andre Iguodala is a glaring downgrade. Giving JaVale McGee more minutes should improve the Nugget's game and once Danilo Gallinari returns and Wilson Chandler returns to coming off the bench, this team will still be a dominate force, possibly moving up a slot. But losing Coach of the Year George Karl could have been too large of a step back.

8. The Portland Trailblazers

This slot was even harder to fill out than the last, and there are five teams that could easily take its place. However, the addition of Robin Lopez gives the team the center it needs, even if Lopez is far from a premier center. This team is still far from being a title contender but the additions of Mo Williams and Dorell Wright help improve one the worst benches last year. Once C.J McCollum returns he should be able to find plenty of playing minutes and fill out the bench further.

9. The Minnesota Timberwolves:

Finally seeing Kevin Love, Rudy Gay and Nikola Pekovic play together should propel this team forward in the rankings and into the playoffs. The addition of Kevin Martin may add the firepower they need, and newcomers Corey Brewer and Ronny Turief should compensate for the loss of Greg Stiesma and Luke Ridnour, although losing Andrei Kirilenko will bite and the re-injury of Chase Budinger leaves them needing to find someone to start the three. Rookies Shabazz Muhammad and Gorgui Dieng have so far proven little but could surprise as the season progresses. Still, this team will be that much better with Kevin Love in the rotation again.

10. New Orleans Pelicans:

New name, new era. They added rising star Jrue Holiday and 2009-10 Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans. Anthony Davis has shown in the first few preseason games that he's on the cusp of bona-fide all-stardom but a lot of this team's success will depend on the health of Eric Gordon. Austin Rivers has also shown drastic improvement and will make a good back-up point guard.

11. Dallas Mavericks:

They lost Darren Collison, O.J Mayo, Elton Brand, Chris Kaman and decent reserves and added Jose Calderon, Monta Ellis, Samuel Dalembert and a few decent reserves. Calderon is probably an upgrade at point guard and Monta Ellis has so far looked drastically improved and is taking better shots. Still this team lacks one too many stars to compete with the aforementioned teams, although a full season with Dirk on board may prove that assessment wrong.

12. Los Angeles Lakers.

Gone are Dwight Howard, Antawn Jamison, Metta World Peace and Earl Clark. Losing Howard is probably worth mentioning twice, even if his clashing with Kobe last season cost the team something. Speaking of Kobe, he's still out with an injury and who knows how much longer Nash can last. Chris Kaman and Nick Young are good additions, but on a true contending team they would be coming off the bench.

13. Utah Jazz

Another team that is somewhat tanking. They lost their starting front court to make room for their budding stars. They also lost their starting point guard, Mo Williams, to make room for their rookie Trey Burke. This is a very young team with a lot of draft picks looking to reenter the playoffs in another few years, but no sooner.

14. The Sacramento Kings

They traded away Tyreke Evans to be replaced by rookie Ben McLemore who has so far been a disappointment. Additions Greivis Vasquez, who led the NBA in assists last year, and Carl Landry will create better shots but it's all about Demarcus Cousins and his own personal improvement. Still far removed from the playoffs

15. The Phoenix Suns:
The 76ers' Western counterpart. They too are making no pretenses of anything but tanking. They booted Jared Dudley, Luis Scola, Jermaine O'Neal and Michael Beasley but did pick up Eric Bledsoe, who looks like the material needed for future stardom (he is called mini-Lebron). They have a lot of young players currently under development, but it's all about the 2014 draft for the Suns.

NBA Talk: Eastern Conference Predictions

Posted by Andrew Shi

The 2013-14 NBA season is upon us! Here are the predictions for the final Eastern Conference standings:

1. Miami Heat

They're the reigning champions with the best player in the world. Not much has changed with their roster (so perhaps their relative power has diminished in respect to several other title-contenders) but they have brought on two players with high potential: Greg Oden and Michael Beasley. The two have been plagued by injury and immaturity respectively, but Oden was the No. 1 pick for a reason and Beasley the No.2 for a worse, but still valid evaluation. The loss of sharpshooter Mike Miller may have consequences, but if Beasley and James Jones can step up the absence will be mitigated.

2. Indiana Pacers

They had the best defense last year and nearly took down the Heat in the conference finals. Now they're returning with healthy-but-rusty all-star Danny Granger as well as a fitted-out bench with Luis Scola, Chris Copeland and C.J Watson. If Granger can achieve his former glory, the Pacers will have a formidable offense to complement an impregnable defense.

3. Chicago Bulls

The return of Derrick Rose-need more be said? He's back and, according to him, he's added another five inches to his already superman vertical. Without Rose, the tenacious Bulls ended last season in fifth and took down the Nets to reach the conference semi-finals. The signing of sharp-shooter Michael Dunleavy and the rise of Jimmy Butler will also factor into a successful season.

4. Brooklyn Nets

The Nets added two future Hall-of-Famers (Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett), should-be-starter-but-to-come-off-the-bench Andrei Kirilenko and previous sixth man Jason Terry. Every starter is an all-star, but their ages, bar Brook Lopez's, may wear them down in the long-haul. Jason Kidd may also prove to not be the right coach for a team that is looking to win immediately; he lacks coaching experience and must deal with players nearly his age and who, just last year, he was competing against and losing to.

5. New York Knicks

On paper this team sounds deadly. They acquired former first pick Andrea Bargnani and defensive specialist Metta World Peace. They re-signed reigning sixth man J.R Smith, productive point guard Pablo Prigioni and added Beno Udrih and Cole Aldrich. But too much of this team's success rests on perennial disappointment Bargnani and injury-prone Amar'e Stoudemire.

6. Detroit Pistons

The additions of Josh Smith, Brandon Jennings, Chauncey Billups and rookie Kentavious Caldwell-Pope automatically propel the team into the playoffs. They have a young but ridiculously talented front-court which will dominate the boards, but their lack of outside shooters will hinder their offensive game.

7. Cleveland Cavaliers

If-and this is such a big if-the Cavaliers can stay healthy this team can be moved up another slot or two. Andrew Bynum is, perhaps, the second-best center in the league. Expect to see Kyrie Irving in the all-star game this year. First-pick Anthony Bennett has much to prove, but newcomers Jarrett Jack and Earl Clark are proven assets. Anderson Varejao is another great center worthy of starting, but he is instead coming off the bench (assuming Bynum plays). They have many talented young players in need of development (Dion Waiters, Tyler Zeller, Tristan Thompson), but in another year or two this team will be among the best.

8. Atlanta Hawks

The loss of Josh Smith has for the most part been assuaged by the addition of Paul Millsap. Elton Brand still has the gusto to make an impact off the bench and the eventual return of Louis Williams, as well as the re-signing of Kyle Korver, will give the Hawks the three-pointers needed to stay competitive. Rookie Dennis Schroder also looks like a guard capable of giving Jeff Teague a run for his money in another year or two.

9. Toronto Raptors

A full season with Rudy Gay will see them threatening the aforementioned teams for a playoff berth. Kyle Lowry remains a productive but second-tier point guard who is lingering at his prime. Demar DeRozan, Jonas Valanciunas and Terrence Ross are already formidable and will only improve this season and Amir Johnson is coming off of his best season. Yet in this newly top-heavy Eastern conference and with players who have questionable upside, a star that is overrated and a wanting bench, they will be hard-pressed to see action in May.

10. Washington Wizards

They could easily enter the playoffs with a healthy team. With John Wall for a full season, they'll see their ranking rise a few slots from where they ended last year, but with injuries to Emeka Okafor , Nene and rookie Otto Porter Jr. already, their season does not augur well. A stronger bench will also be needed to give them that eventual push to become a true contender

11. Milwaukee Bucks

This team lost Brandon Jennings and Monte Ellis and should have just tanked the season. Instead they re-equipped with decent players that will keep them out of the dregs of the conference but that are not good enough to get them into the playoffs. It will be a good season for Larry Sanders, Brandon Knight and O.J Knight to improve their game.

12. Boston Celtics

Another team that is half-heartedly tanking (or whatever GM Danny Ainge wants to call it). Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett are gone and Rajon Rondo is out at least until December. Ainge will undoubtedly look to deal several players (Kris Humphries, Gerald Wallace, Brandon Bass and Courtney Lee, for starters) as soon as possible. They have the role players for a play-off team but no longer the stars.

13. Charlotte Bobcats

The addition of Al Jefferson and Cody Zeller will make a formidable front court. The retention of Gerald Henderson to start alongside Kemba Walker and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist will complete a competitive starting line-up but there is much need for development. Another definite lottery year.

14. Orlando Magic

A team with a lot of young, talented players including draft pick Victor Oladipo, all continuing to improve their game and still a few years removed from the playoffs.

15. Philadelphia 76ers

A team that makes no effort to hide their tanking efforts. They traded away their best player, all-star Jrue Holiday, for a 2014 first-round pick and once-vaunted first pick Nerlen Noels who is recovering from a torn ACL and won't see action for quite some time. Any team that loses to these misfits should be ashamed.

Thoroughbred teams in position for playoffs

Posted by Katie Peverada

 Even though it feels like just yesterday fall athletic competitions were getting underway, it's time to start thinking about the playoffs. Women's soccer, men's soccer, field hockey, and volleyball are all competing for spots in the tournament.

Field Hockey: The 17th ranked field hockey team sits at 10-3 overall, and their 3-1 League record has them at 3rd place overall. Skidmore has five games remaining, two of which come against conference foes. The opponents happen to be the two schools in front of them in the league standings, Rochester and William Smith. Wins against both would go a long way to securing not only one of the four playoff spots, but also the right to hold the tournament. Skidmore faces Rochester on Oct. 25 and William Smith the following day.
Friday Oct. 25 at 4 p.m. against University of Rochester
Saturday Oct. 26 at 2 p.m. against William Smith College

Women's Soccer: The 16th ranked women's soccer team is tied with William Smith for first in the League with a 4-0 record. A showdown that could determine who hosts the four-team tournament comes against William Smith on Saturday, but it is just one of four remaining Liberty League matchups. RIT and RPI are two of those opponents, and both sit just one game behind Skidmore in the standings. So while Skidmore, with its 9-0-2 overall record, doesn't have to win out to make the playoffs, doing so would ensure the tournament is held at Wachenheim field.
Saturday Oct. 26 at 3 p.m. against St. Lawrence University

Men's Soccer: With a 2-1-1 Liberty League record, the men's soccer team sits in the fourth and final playoff spot with four games remaining, and all will affect their position. While a win against first place St. Lawrence would be more than helpful, a victory over 2-2 RIT would help create some breathing room in the points standings (7 to 6). In this case, Skidmore is in control of its own destiny.

Volleyball: With a 1-5 conference record, it might not seem like the Thoroughbreds have a chance to make the four-team tournament. However, five remaining Liberty League matchups create an opportunity for the team to sneak in. Two matches against 1-3 RIT will be crucial for a tie-breaker, and a match against Vassar would pull them within reach. However, another loss and Skidmore will likely be out of the Liberty League Championships.

*Although the tournaments for golf, women's tennis and men's tennis won't take place until the spring, they have all qualified to take part.

McFadden seeks a Grand Slam, more gold

Posted by Katie Peverada

On the morning of Oct. 9, 2011, I was standing on the Roosevelt Bridge in Chicago. I'd been standing under the "300m To Go" sign for what seemed like forever when, finally, a race car and the race clock it was carrying became visible. I realized that elite runners, my brother included, would not be finishing for at least another 35 minutes.
It was the wheelchair racers starting to finish the 2011 Chicago Marathon. I remember seeing four male racers in the same pack, but no one was breaking through. Kurt Fearnley of Australia ended up emerging from that pack and winning in a time of 1 hour, 29 minutes, 18 seconds. Over the course of the next 14 minutes, five more male wheelchair racers pushed up the hill and down the incline towards the finish line, always having at least one other racer pushing them and none of them breaking away.
But around 1:44:30 into the race, a singular wheelchair popped over the top of the hill and I became excited at the sight of a female racer. I watched her race by, watching her massive arms work and work.
Tatyana McFadden was by herself as she turned the corner for the last 250 meters to the finish line; her nearest competitor, male or female, was a full two minutes behind her. McFadden went on to finish the race in 1:45:03, winning the female division. At the time, I did not fully appreciate that McFadden had finished in a class of her own.
But now, two years later, I do.
This past weekend, McFadden again won the women's wheelchair division in the 2013 version of the Chicago Marathon in a time of 1:42:35, edging Manuela Schaer by two seconds. Her victory margin was smaller, but the significance of this race was far greater.
This year's victory made for McFadden's third-straight Chicago Marathon title and, in the process, she broke the 21-year-old course record by 1:54, adding to her already stellar year.
McFadden won the Boston Marathon on April 15 (1:45:24,) and, just six days later, the London Marathon (1:46:02).
Her win at Chicago this weekend solidified her place in history, as she became the first athlete, able-bodied or disabled, to win all three of those races in the same year.
And just as tennis has Grand Slams, so too does wheelchair racing. In three weeks on Nov.3, McFadden will compete in the New York Marathon, where a victory will give her a Grand Slam of racing.
McFadden's first Chicago Marathon victory in 2009 was also the first marathon she had ever competed in. Since then, McFadden has gone on to win New York (2010), Chicago (2009, 2011, 2012, and 2013), Boston (2013) and London (2013).
Despite all the success she has found racing the marathon distance, McFadden originally got her start in short distance sprints. She became a member of the U.S. Paralympics Track and Field National Team in 2003 and first competed at the 2004 Summer Paralympics, winning two medals at the age of 15. Since then, she has won 13 more medals in shorter distances at either the Olympics or the World Championships, nine of them of the golden variety.
McFadden is a senior Human Development and Family Services major at the University of Illinois where she also used to compete on the wheelchair basketball team. But besides focusing on her degree, McFadden also intends to compete for the U.S. at the 2014 Paralympic Games in Nordic skiing.
It will be a homecoming of sorts for McFadden, who was born in St. Petersburg, Russia with spina bifida. Paralyzed below the waist, McFadden lived in an orphanage until she was adopted by a family from Baltimore at the age of six and began participating in athletics soon after with many victories along the way.
McFadden, though successful thus far in her Nordic adventures, has a lot to learn heading into the Sochi Games, as she only picked up the sport in 2012. But if her Chicago Marathon victory in 2009 is any indication of her ability to pick up new events, she should have it mastered in no time.
And just as I saw in Chicago in 2011, I wouldn't be surprised if McFadden emerges from the pack.

Skidmore reaches victory against Bard in Women's Soccer

Posted by Maggie Sweeney

Skidmore's Women's soccer team pulled through with a win against Bard College on Tuesday night, Oct. 8. The final score was 1-0 Skidmore, which brought the team to a 8-0-2 record. The game was off to a late start due to transportation issues, and the gradually dropping temperature was certainly not in favor of the players. Despite these conditions, the Thoroughbreds held their own and ended the game on a great note.

The game started off on an offensive note by Skidmore's diligent attackers, but Bard's goalkeeper Kelsey O'Brien kept her team in the game with two early saves. The Thoroughbreds' attackers Christine Bellotti '14 and Morgan Governale '15 both put their missed shots behind them, and bounced back with a determined fire.

Gab Lawrence '14 kept the scoreboard level in the 17th minute, when she guided a shot from Bard's Abby Labrecque's over the bar with a confident fist pump. A minute later Lawrence then dove to her right to deny Gina Lewis's shot from 18 yards on the resulting corner kick. Lawrence made three saves in goal for Skidmore throughout the game, which had a positive impact on her shutout streak.

The game stayed tied 0-0 until the 21st minute, when Jen Wardyga '14 scored the game's only goal, assisted by Arena Manning '16. Manning took advantage of a pass from freshman Emily Salitermanand dribbled around O'Brien before sliding a feed to Wardyga, who finished the play into the empty net.

Lawrence's third and final save came in the second half, resulting from Labrecque's shot after she made her way past the Skidmore defense. Lawrence's quick reflexes and keen sense of positioning helped her break up the play and preserve the shutout.

Skidmore's offense outshot Bard's 20-3 and held a 7-1 advantage in corners. The Thoroughbreds will now head off to Clarkson University for a Liberty League contest on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 3 p.m. Their goal to maintain an undefeated streak is looking highly plausible.

Laviolette's firing is good news for all

Posted by Katie Peverada

On Monday morning, Oct. 7, the Philadelphia Flyers fired head coach Peter Laviolette, just three games in to the 2013-14 NHL season. Granted, the Flyers are off to their second-straight 0-3 start, which follows a dismal 1-5-1 preseason. But firing Laviolette means firing a coach with 389 career victories, which is second-most all-time for American-born coaches. And weren't the Flyers in the Stanley Cup Finals a few years ago? Yes, but contrary to popular belief, Flyers' general manager Paul Holmgren might have made the right choice.
Laviolette had 146 wins-98 losses-29 ties over the course of his stint with the Flyers, taking them to the playoffs three straight years, including the Stanley Cup Finals in 2010, where they lost to the Chicago Blackhawks. His career winning percentage of .570 is 13th among active coaches (minus Patrick Roy, who is 2-0 in his first year behind the bench). But that Laviolette's success wore out should come as no surprise.
Laviolette is known for getting off to great starts in his coaching stints. In his first act as a head coach in 2001, he took over a futile New York Islanders team that had not reached the playoffs since 1994 and took them there two years in a row.
Laviolette parted ways with the Islanders after the 2002-03 season, and took over the 8-12 Carolina Hurricanes partway through the 2003-04 season, finishing 20-22-6. The next season, Carolina tied for the second-best winning percentage (.683), made the playoffs and ended up winning the Stanley Cup. However, despite finishing with respectable 40-34-8 and 43-33-6 records in 2006-07 and 2007-08, respectively, Laviolette failed to guide the former champions back to the playoffs. It marked the first time in modern NHL history that a team missed the playoffs two years in a row after winning the Cup. And, during his fifth year as the coach in the 2008-09 season, Laviolette was let go by general manager Jim Rutherford after a 12-11 start.
A coach of Laviolette's success was not going to be out of work long, and during the 2009-10 he again took over for a team after the season had started. Laviolette went 28-24-5, guiding the 13-11-1 Philadelphia Flyers he had inherited to not only the playoffs, but also to the Stanley Cup Finals. In Laviolette's first full season as the head coach, his team finished first in the Atlantic Division, but lost to the eventual champion Boston Bruins in the second round of the playoffs. But another second round playoff loss to the New Jersey Devils in 2011-12 had some calling for his job, questioning his ability to win it all. During the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season, Philadelphia could not find its groove, finishing 23-22-3 and missing the playoffs. Fans and pundits wanted and/or predicted Laviolette's firing before the current NHL season was over.
And, of course, Monday's firing came just three games into the young 2013-14 season. According to NHL.com, this is the quickest firing of a coach since Oct. 19, 1969, when the Detroit Red Wings fired Bill Gadsby two games into the season.
However, just as Laviolette has showed twice in his career, some mid-season firings and hirings end up benefiting the team in the long-term.
During the 2008-09 season, Dan Bylsma took over for the struggling Pittsburgh Penguins in February. Under Bylsma the team surged and finished 18-3-4, winning the Stanley Cup. Bylsma has guided the Penguins, many times amid injury turbulence, to the playoffs every year since.
Bruce Boudreau has done it with two different teams. First, Boudreau took over for a 6-14-1 Washington Capitals team during the 2007-08 season. The Capitals went 37-17-7 the rest of that season, making it to the conference quarterfinals. Boudreau and the Capitals returned to the playoffs the next three years before Boudreau himself was fired 22 games into the 2011-12 season. But, like Laviolette, Boudreau didn't last long on the market, taking over the 7-13-4 Anaheim Ducks that same season. The Ducks missed the playoffs but finished a respectable 27-23-8 in the remaining 58 games. And in 2012-13, Boudreau took the Ducks to the playoffs with the third-best record in the league.
There are a lot of success stories of midseason takeovers, from Bylsma and Boudreau to Larry Robinson and Daryl Sutter. Robinson took over the New Jersey Devils with eight games left in the 1999-2000 regular season and led them all the way to a title. Sutter, more recently, led a struggling Los Angeles King team from their December turmoil to a Stanley Cup title in June.
From 2000-2011, NHL teams went a combined 971-943 after a coach's firing, a significant improvement over the 771-896 record of the coaches they replaced.
The Flyers, then, made the move that appears to be the best in the long term, and Laviolette is most likely going to be the first coach called when a team undoubtedly makes another change this season.
Who knows, maybe the Flyers will face Laviolette and his new team in the playoffs.

Skidmore, Middlebury play to tie in women's soccer

Posted by Katie Peverada

Skidmore College women's soccer team didn't get a victory on Wednesday night, but with a 0-0 tie against Middlebury College they moved to 7-0-2, keeping their undefeated streak intact.
Skidmore attacked Middlebury's half of the field from the first whistle, but they struggled to finish their chances near the goal.
Arena Manning '16 created several opportunities for Skidmore throughout the first half with her speed, as she was often able to turn off the ball and outrace the Middlebury defenders.
About seven minutes in, Manning overpowered some Middlebury defenders near the top of the box before being taken down, but the resulting kick was sent over the crossbar. Two minutes later Manning again put pressure on the Panthers when she received an excellent through-ball on the right side but slid the shot past the right post.
The Thoroughbred defense continued its strong run - they haven't conceded a goal since Sept. 7 - as there were several moments throughout the game where they stymied the Panthers' attack.
With about ten minutes left in the first half Middlebury was able to create a few opportunities, but Skidmore was able to shut them down before they became dangerous. Jenna Spooner '14 and Elizabeth Schaeffer '17 were able to shut down a Middlebury striker who had broken through into the box and a minute later Schaeffer again was able to deny a Panther who tried to cut into the box off of the left wing.
The second half produced much of the same, with both goalies being called upon to make a huge save for their teams.
Skidmore's best chance of the game came in the 62 minute, but Middlebury goalkeeper Elizabeth Foody made a spectacular diving save. Amidst a scuffle of bodies near the six, a result of a restart, Nicole Lorusso '17 was able to control the ball and shoot to the right side of the net. Foody, though, saw the shot all the way and was able to dive to her right and knock the ball off to the side.
Middlebury answered 15 minutes later when Scarlett Kirk got in behind the Skidmore back line and was fed by Moria Sloan in close on net. Kirk tried to go to the low left, but Gab Lawrence '14 came up with a huge quick-reaction save, shooting out her left foot to stop the ball.
Skidmore had another chance with about five minutes remaining when Manning tried to find Jen Wardyga '14 by splitting two Panther defenders but sent it just a bit too far.
Neither team was able to produce much offensively in either overtime, as both managed to get off just one shot.
Lawrence, who earned her sixth-straight shutout, stopped seven of 15 Skidmore shots. Foody stopped six of 10 Thoroughbred shots.
The Thoroughbreds will look to continue their unbeaten streak at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at home against Bard College.

Alex Smith: An average quarterback from an average draft

Posted by Katie Peverada

Of the 14 quarterbacks drafted in the 2005 NFL Draft, eight are still active. Of those eight quarterbacks, four are currently backups, two are solidified starters and two are starting in the place of injured starters. Three of those quarterbacks have been to at least one Pro Bowl and one has even won a Super Bowl. Overall, it wasn't the strongest quarterback draft class in the history of the NFL (think 2004 or 1983, maybe), but it also wasn't the worst (think 2007, definitely). One player in particular is the epitome of the 2005 quarterback draft class.
Alex Smith, the first overall pick in 2005, is currently entrenched as the starter for the 4-0 Kansas City Chiefs. Smith, though, took a while to get to the position that he is in.
Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers, Smith bounced in and out of the starting position from 2005-2010. He played only nine games in his rookie season, but if his 11 interceptions, one touchdown pass, 50.9% completion percentage and 40.8 overall rating gave any indication of what his future as an NFL quarterback would be, it was going to be that of a bust.
The 2006 season went little better (if throwing for 16 touchdowns and 16 interceptions is better). Smith lost much of 2007 and all of 2008 to injury, and then he lost the starting quarterback job to Shaun Hill coming out of training camp in 2009. Smith was, by proof of his stats and injuries, a bust. Or, at the very least, a below-average quarterback.
But with the exception of Aaron Rodgers, who had thrown for over 4,000 yards in his first two seasons as a starter, Smith fit right in with draft mates Derek Anderson, Kyle Orton, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Jason Campbell. They were all quarterbacks who idled at average, sometimes having spurts of greatness but, more often than not, having no spurts at all.
During the 2009 season, Smith won his job back, recorded the first 300-yard passing game of his career and led the 49ers to an 8-8 finish. In 2010, Smith struggled to hold down the job, and San Francisco finished the season at 6-10.
Smith started 50 games during his first six seasons and won only 19. But things started to look up for him. Or at least average.
Despite being average or below average in most statistical categories, incoming coach Jim Harbaugh elected to re-sign the free-agent Smith and see what the bust-labeled quarterback could do.
The 2011 season was Alex Smith's best season of his career; he led the 49ers to a 13-3 finish and an overtime-loss-to-the-New-York-Giants game away from the Super Bowl. In Harbaugh's offensive system, one that stressed efficiency, Smith thrived.
If thriving is being average, that is.
Smith was 11th in the league in completion percentage (61.3), 19th in passing yards (3,144), 17th in touchdown passes (17) and ninth in quarterback rating (90.7).
Smith was efficient and managed the game. It also helped that the San Francisco defense was ranked second in the league. Smith no longer had to take risks with a forced throw or long toss.
Everybody knows the story of 2012. Smith was leading the league in completion percentage (70%) when he suffered a concussion in Week 10. Colin Kaepernick started in Week 11 for a concussed Smith and never looked back, leading the 49ers to the Super Bowl where they lost by three points.
Smith was traded to the Chiefs in the offseason, but Kaepernick's struggles in Weeks two and three of this year had some questioning the 49ers decision to move forward with the more-mobile quarterback. Where was the dependable Smith when you needed him?
Being average in Kansas City.
Through Week four , Smith is 18th in completion percentage (60.3), 20th in passing yards (957), 11th in touchdown passes (7) and 14th in quarterback rating (89.8). Not the best, but clearly not the worst.
Despite all his averageness, when compared to the rest of the 2005 draft class, Smith is arguably the second-best quarterback behind Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers, though, is in a class of his own. But what about the others in the 2005 draft class?
Just as Smith produced a few bad seasons from 2005-2008, so too did the quarterback draft class of 2005 with Stefan Lefors, James Kilian or David Green.
And just as Smith had a couple okay seasons in 2009 and 2010, there are a few okay quarterbacks still remaining from the 2005 draft, as Campbell and Orton both turned out okay.
In 2011, Smith played average, which for him was exceeding what he had done in the past. In some ways, he had exceeded expectations, just as Anderson, Fitzpatrick and Matt Cassel all did after being drafted.
So, Alex Smith is a game manager. He's an experienced veteran that is efficient in the way he plays. He doesn't try to force throws; he just plays to the system that he is in. Maybe 2013 will turn out to be different. Maybe Smith will have Rodgers-esque numbers. However, it is doubtful that Smith will put up big numbers as doing so would be above-average, something the 2005 draft class is not.

Three Thoroughbreds take home Liberty League honors

Posted by Katie Peverada

Three female Thoroughbreds represented two Skidmore teams in the Liberty League weekly awards. Two members of the soccer team, Gab Lawrence '14 and Arena Manning '16, and one member from the field hockey team, Jenn Hanks '16, were selected for their individual efforts this past week.

Jenn Hanks '16 - Field Hockey - Defensive Player of the Week
Hanks and the field hockey team knew going into their matchup against Utica College that it would be a close and hard-fought game, so that the game went into overtime was no surprise. About five minutes into overtime defender Hanks ripped a shot from the far right wing just inside the left post. Hanks also anchored a very strong defense in both of Skidmore's games this week, as the team only allowed two goals, both coming against Utica. Hanks has also registered three defensive saves and is tied for tops on the team.

Gab Lawrence '14- Soccer - Defensive Performer of the Week
Lawrence continued her strong senior campaign, backstopping the Thoroughbreds to two 1-0 wins against Union College and Vassar College. Lawrence faced one shot against Union and three against Vassar, all of which proved crucial in the close victories. Lawrence has six shutouts on the season and 15 in her Skidmore career. Her goals-against average of .238 is second in the Liberty League and her .938 save percentage is tied for third. Lawrence's six shutouts lead the league as well.

Arena Manning '16- Soccer - Honor Roll
Manning netted two game-winning goals in two 1-0 wins for the Thoroughbreds, keeping their undefeated start to the season alive. Manning's tally against Union came in the first half off of a rebound. Manning's goal against Vassar also came in the first half when she broke through three defenders and beat the goalie on the far post. Manning now has three goals this year for the Thoroughbreds.

Three Thoroughbreds honored by Liberty League

Posted by Katie Peverada

With Skidmore's fall teams doing so well, it is not surprising that individual Thoroughbreds are continually being recognized for their accomplishments. Three athletes continued their stellar performances on the field last week and were honored by the Liberty League for their performances and contributions to their teams:

Dani DeGregory '16 - Field Hockey - Honor Roll
Dani DeGregory scored a career and game high eight points for Skidmore during the team's 8-0 victory over RPI on Saturday. She was named to field hockey's weekly honor roll for her efforts. DeGregory scored three goals, one in the first period and two in the second period and added two assists to go with her hat trick. DeGregory leads Skidmore in assists with nine and is second in goals scored and points registered, with seven and 23 respectively.

Oliver Loutsenko '14 - Men's Tennis - Performer of the Week
Oliver Loutsenko swept the ITA Northeast Regional Championships this past weekend and has advanced to the USTA/ITA National Small College Championships. Loutsenko won the singles title 6-0, 6-4 over his opponent from New York University and then teamed with Danny Knight '14 to capture the doubles title 6-7, 7-5, 7-6. The USTA/ITA Nationals will take place Oct. 10-13 in Fort Meyers, Fla.

MacKenzie Denver '16 - Golf - Performer of the Week
Mackenzie Denver's second place individual performance led the Thoroughbred golf team to a fourth place finish at the Williams College Invitational. Denver shot a six-over-par 75-73-148, which helped the Thoroughbreds best 20 other teams in the 24 team field. Denver and the golf team now head to the Liberty League qualifier Sept. 28-29 at St. Lawrence University.

Rookie QB Showdown: Geno Smith and EJ Manuel take the AFC East

Posted by Katie Peverada

On Sunday, the New York Jets beat the Buffalo Bills by a score of 27-20. To an outsider, this game appeared like any other: two teams struggling to find their way, battling to find a convincing victory. Since 2000, the Jets are 17-10 in matchups against the Bills. Despite the loss, the Bills actually still lead the all-time series 55-51, a close overall series that clearly needs no added pressure. Going into this Week 3 matchup, though, there was arguably more riding on it than in years past.
For the first time in the history of the AFC East rivalry, two rookie quarterbacks faced off: Buffalo's EJ Manuel and New York's Geno Smith. The Bills took Manuel in the first round of this year's draft, a surprise to many, and Smith fell to the Jets in the second round. Due to veteran injuries both quarterbacks found themselves behind center in Week 1. So not only did this matchup determine bragging rights until the teams meet again in Week 11, but it also determined, for the time being, which team made the better choice in the draft.
Both quarterbacks entered the matchup 1-1.
In a close Week 1 loss to New England, Manuel completed 18 of 27 passes for 150 yards. Most importantly, he took care of the ball, never throwing an interception or fumbling the ball on one of his rushing attempts (3 for 23 yards). In Week 2 against Carolina, Manuel made some mistakes. He finished 27 of 39 (69.23% completion percentage) for 296 yards and one touchdown pass. With 1:14 remaining in the third quarter of a tie game, Manuel lost a fumble which resulted in a Carolina field goal. On the next drive he threw an interception which resulted in another field goal. Two Manuel turnovers resulted in a six-point lead for the Panthers. Manuel, though, showed poise in engineering a game-winning drive, getting the ball back with 1:38 left on the clock and, with no timeouts, hitting Stevie Johnson with six seconds left.
Geno Smith came out of Week 1 looking like a rookie who, with some work, could be successful for years to come. He completed 63.16% of his passes, throwing for 256 yards and one touchdown in a close 18-17 victory over Tampa Bay; however, during this game he also threw an interception and fumbled the ball on his own 11 yard line which resulted in a Tampa touchdown. Smith's Week 2 performance certainly led some to believe he just wasn't ready to start in the NFL. Smith's passing line was less than desirable: 15 of 15 (42.86%) and 214 yards and 3 interceptions all in the fourth quarter with his team down by 3.
Going into the game, Manuel had the edge, thanks in part to some more conservative play calling by the Bills. Manuel's passer rating was 95.9 and Smith's was 55.2. However, Smith overcame his mistakes to edge Manuel in round one. Smith threw two interceptions, but more importantly he threw for two touchdowns on 331 yards and rushed for another touchdown. Manuel didn't turn the ball over, but his 45.24% completion percentage left something to be desired.
Smith gave his receivers a chance to make plays, but Manuel struggled with his accuracy all day.
Smith overcame his team's mistakes -- a franchise-record 20 penalties -- and his own, following up one of his interceptions with a touchdown pass on the next Jets' possession.
Smith was able to take control of the game when it was tied 20-20, hitting Santonio Holmes for a 69-yard touchdown pass with 9:23 to play.
Manuel didn't play horribly, he just didn't step up when the Bills need him to.
Round one, Smith.
Interestingly enough, EJ Manuel and Geno Smith are the only two rookie quarterbacks getting substantial playing time this year, so this matchup was even indicative of who the best rookie quarterback is -- or will be. So far, neither quarterback has stepped up. Manuel has one interception to Smith's six and their quarterback ratings are nearly identical (Manuel 47.43, Smith 48.0). But Smith leads in the category where it counts, as his Jets have two wins, but the Bills only have one.
Much like their first matchup, the outcome of their individual and franchise battles will be determined by who can take advantage of the opportunities. It doesn't matter that Manuel is arguably playing better than Smith. In Week 3, it was Smith who played better when required.

Liberty League honors four Skidmore athletes

Posted by Katie Peverada

With the fall seasons in full swing, the Thoroughbeds are turning in strong team and individual efforts. Earlier this week, the Liberty League honored four Skidmore athletes for their performances:

Krista Lamoreaux '17 - Field Hockey - Rookie of the Week
In three games played, Lamoreaux tallied five points on two goals and one assist. The assist came on a game-tying goal against SUNY Oneonta, and her first career goal came later in the same game.

Kelly Blackhurst '14 - Field Hockey - Offensive Player of the Week
For the second straight week, the Liberty League tabbed Blackhurst as the Offensive Player of the Week. Over the course of three games Blackhurst scored four goals on her way to becoming Skidmore's all-time leading scorer with 206 career points (82 G, 42 A).

Rachel Plevinsky '14 - Tennis - Performer of the Week
Plevinsky turned in a stellar performance during the Lindsay Morehouse Invitational at Williams College, where she faced formidable opponents from Williams and Middlebury College. Plevinsky, who did not drop a single set against her opponents, went 3-0 in singles play.

Derrick Yam '17 - Men's Soccer - Rookie of the Week
Yam, a goalie, did not allow any goals in his first career start against SUNY Potsdam. He also stopped three shots during the 1-0 Skidmore win.

Volleyball drops Liberty League match to Union

Posted by Katie Peverada

The Skidmore College volleyball team fell to Liberty League foe Union College on Tuesday night in their first league match of the season. Despite winning the first set pretty handily, the Thoroughbreds went on to drop three sets in a row to the Dutchmen for a final match score of 3-1.
In the first set, Skidmore surged to an early lead and quickly found themselves with a 10-2 lead thanks to five-straight serving points from Natalie Nagale '14. Union tried to claw back into the set, but with the score 19-13, Clare Kenny '15 served five straight points to end the first set at 25-13.
Union took the second set the same way that Skidmore took the first one, running out to a 10-4 lead before closing it out for a 25-13 lead.
The third and fourth sets both proved to be nail-bitters, with the Thoroughbreds wearing their emotions on their sleeves.
In the third set, the Thoroughbreds had the small home crowd behind them as they crawled out of an early 4-1 hole by winning four straight points, thanks to more great serves from Nagle. Over the course of the set, the teams were tied 11 different times. Skidmore fought off two set points to make it 24-23 before Union was finally able to put away the set on a service error.
The fourth set proved to be eerily similar to the third, with neither team really pulling away as the score was tied on 13 separate occasions. Union was eventually able to go up 12-7, but the Thoroughbreds once again fought back to tie the game at 12-12 thanks to Aria Goodman '15 serving four straight points. With the score tied, again, at 22 all, Union was able to win the serve back and go on a 3-0 run to close out the set at 25-22.
Goodman and Nagale carried the Skidmore offense with 14 and 11 kills respectively, while also adding nine and 11 digs. Corinne Palmer '14 had a .296 hitting percentage to go with her 11 kills. Emma Wilberg '14 had a game-high 36 assists and a .250 hitting percentage. Freshman Marcela Famillar led all players with 29 digs.
The loss dropped Skidmore to 6-5 overall and 0-1 in Liberty League play while Union improved to 10-2 and 1-0.
The Thoroughbreds are in action again on Sept. 28 when they hit the road for the Baruch College Tri-Match.

Ovechkin vs. Crosby: Shortened season, same rivalry

Posted by Rebecca Shesser

With the start of the first full NHL season since 2011 inching closer, fans everywhere are gearing up for their long-awaited 82 games. As the Chicago Blackhawks blazed through the first 24 games of last years' 48-game season without a loss, the lockout's damage left little room for any Cinderella stories. However, two storylines emerged from a pair of players whose legacies have tangled and twisted ever since their NHL debuts in 2005.
In 2004, the Washington Capitals selected Russian phenomenon Alexander Ovechkin as the first overall pick in the draft. Ovechkin, who had been playing in the Russian Superleague since the age of 16, signed a three-year entry-level contract. Due to the 2004-2005 lockout, Ovechkin returned to Russia for one more season before making his NHL debut in which he scored two goals in a Capitals victory. Ovechkin would go on to play in all but one game that season, accumulating 52 goals and 54 assists. This feat earned him the Calder Memorial Trophy (NHL Rookie of the Year award), the Kharlamov Trophy (NHL Russian MVP), and a place on two NHL all-star teams. Tallying three more 100+ point seasons from 2007-2010, Ovechkin made off with the Art Ross Memorial Trophy (Most Points) once, and the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy (Most Goals), the Hart Memorial Trophy (NHL MVP) and the NHL Player of the Year award all two times. However, Ovechkin wasn't the only rookie in the 2005-2006 season making waves.
Following a 200+ point peewee hockey season in his hometown of Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, it was apparent that Sidney Crosby's skill did not match his age. Determined to give their son the challenge he craved, Crosby's parents signed him up for a league intended for players two to four years older than their 13-year old. After playing one game, in which he recorded four points, the league barred him from playing to avoid an inevitable conflict over his age. However, one thing became very clear from the situation: this young prodigy was no ordinary hockey player. When age became a non-factor, Crosby turned his sights to the NHL.
Following the 2004-2005 NHL lockout, there was no set draft order because there were no previous season rankings. The draft was a lottery, which became known as the Sidney Crosby sweepstakes and was won by the Pittsburgh Penguins. Since then, Crosby has tallied 665 points, won many individual awards and had the honor of hoisting the Stanley Cup over his head as a team captain.
These two incredible hockey players are constantly compared and their rivalry has become legendary. All conversations about these two extraordinary players ultimately lead to one question: who truly is the better player?
Statistically, Alexander Ovechkin has 60 career points over Crosby. However, it is important to note that injury marred Crosby's career, keeping his games played total to a mere 470 games while Ovechkin has tallied 601 GP. This wide difference puts Crosby's points per game at an impressive 1.4 over Ovechkin's 1.2 PPG. Additionally, Crosby has failed to play for an entire season since 2009-2010, which was also his last 100-point season. Out of the 212 playable games since then, Crosby has only participated in 99.
Coincidentally the 2009-2010 season was also the last 100-point season for Ovechkin, whose numbers decreased dramatically to 85 points in 2010-2011 and a disappointing 65 points in the 2011-2012 season despite being an active player for nearly all of the combined 164 games during those two seasons. The future of both superstars seemed to hang in the balance as the NHL slid into a lockout period prior to the abridged 2012-2013 season.
Despite questions of Ovechkin's skill and Crosby's health, both players exceeded expectations and provided the league with two classic Cinderella storylines.
Upon Crosby's long-awaited return, he became an immediate contender for the Art Ross Trophy. Simultaneously, Ovechkin initially struggled adapting to a new coach as well as a new position. The switch left Ovechkin dormant in the point department for the beginning of the season. However, once things on the Capitals' first line began clicking, there was no stopping the "Great-8."
Ovechkin surged to the top of the NHL goals category capturing the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy as well as the Hart Trophy, two accolades that had escaped his grasp since 2009. Crosby's season was cut short due to another injury; however, his 56-point, 36-game season couldn't be ignored, and received the player-awarded MVP title.
These two comeback stories are nowhere near over. A newly refreshed Ovechkin poses an undeniable threat to the finally healthy Crosby and vice-versa. When the puck finally drops on the 2013-2014 season, there is no doubt that all eyes will once again be focused on this rivalry.

The Thoroughbreds welcome Patrick Hart as the new men's lacrosse coach

Posted by Maggie Sweeney

Patrick Hart, the new head coach of the men's lacrosse team, graduated as a student-athlete from College of the Holy Cross in 2005, and spent two years as an assistant coach there. He then spent the next few years as the assistant coach at Amherst College. Now, the men's lacrosse team is in the process of hiring an assistant coach who can help Coach Hart lead the new team down a successful path. I spoke with Hart about his expectations and excitement for this coming season at Skidmore.

MS: Why did you choose to come and coach at Skidmore?
PH: I love Saratoga Springs, and I am excited for the competition level that my players will experience.

MS: What do you plan to carry from your experience as a player into your coaching career?
PH: I always responded very well to honesty as a player. I enjoyed being able to take constructive criticism and help shape my playing abilities through the advice that I receive from my coaches.

MS: What expectations do you have for your team this year?
PH: I hope to see them go as far as possible. I am also adamant about having the upperclassmen help out the freshman in every way possible, on and off of the field. I believe team unity and understanding is crucial to help the players communicate with one another.

MS: As a coach, how will you make sure your students are on top of their work?
PH: We have a great deal of academic advising for students who are struggling with work. I also want them to know that academics always come first, and they should feel comfortable with speaking to me if they have a conflict.

MS: Have you already planned out your offensive/defensive philosophy?
PH: Yes, my defensive plan is actually something I used when coaching at Amherst. It consists of a team-based play that focuses mainly on sliding and recovering. My plan for the offensive end is to have quick transitions and fluent stick skills.

MS: Is there anything that you are especially nervous or excited for with your new team?
PH: I have actually yet to see them play together as a team, so I am really looking forward to our first fall ball practice. I am not so nervous as much as I am excited for the competition level and my future relationship with each player.

MS: After being an assistant coach yourself, how do you plan to use your future assistant to the team's advantage?
PH: That will of course depend on the assistant coach's expertise, which are [sic] currently unknown. He will also play a big role in the recruiting process for next year, which involved traveling to tournaments and reaching out to student athletes. I also plan to have him help with our players' strength training in the weight room.

Catching up with men's fall sports

Posted by Katie Peverada

Whether you're a freshman who still has no idea where Wachenheim Field is or a senior who has spent the past week in the library, you're all probably wondering how the fall sports teams are doing. While the men's tennis team has yet to play a match, golf and men's soccer have both started off their seasons with solid performances:

Men's Tennis: The men's tennis team has yet to play a match, but rest assured that when they do, they will have experience. The team, which did not lose a single player to graduation, ended last season ranked 25th nationally and fifth regionally in the ITA Division III ranking. Their first test will come at the Middlebury College Invitational this weekend.
 Next home match: Saturday Oct. 5 at 1 p.m.

Golf: In their only tournament and home match of the young season, the Skidmore golf team came out on top at the 10-team Tim Brown Invitational. Makenzie Denver '16 led the charge with a third place finish, beating fellow Thoroughbred Tim Manwaring '16 by one stroke. Also in the top 10 for Skidmore were Mitchell Campbell '17 and Zach Grossman '15, who tied for ninth.

Men's Soccer: After falling to an 0-2 start, the men's soccer team won the first two games of a five-game home stand to even out their record. Brock Bakewell '15 leads the team in goals with three, while three other players each have one goal and one assist. In goal, Eli Kisselbach '16 has played every minute for Skidmore, posting a 1.50 GAA and a .647 save percentage.
Next home game: Friday Sept. 13 at 7:30 p.m.

Women's fall teams off to a roaring start

Posted by Katie Peverada

Fall athletic teams have finished their preseasons and are now competing in official games and matches. In traditional fashion, all the women's teams are off to strong starts. Let's take a look at field hockey, soccer, volleyball and tennis:

Field Hockey: The always-strong Thoroughbred field hockey team is off to a 3-1 start and currently holds the 15th position in the NFCHA DIII National Coaches' Poll. Kelly Blackhurst '14 leads all scorers with 15 points (6G, 3A), while Dani Digregory '16 has one goal to go with five assists. Haley McDougall '15 has played every minute in goal for the Thoroughbreds and has a 2.92 GAA to go with a .733 save percentage.
Next home game: Saturday Sept. 21 at 1 p.m.

Women's Soccer: The women's soccer team is off to a terrific start. They remain unbeaten at 3-0-1 and this past weekend captured the Rutland Herald Invitational, beating Simmons College for the title. The Thoroughbreds, who are outscoring their opponents 7-2, have received goals from six different players. Christine Bellotti '14 is leading the way with two, while Jen Wardyga '14 has one goal and one assist. Gab Lawrence '14 has played 335 out of a possible 380 minutes in goal, posting a .54 GAA and a .875 save percentage.
Next home game: Saturday Sept. 14 at 1 p.m.

Volleyball: A 6-1 start has the Thoroughbreds well on their way to making a return to the Liberty League Championship match, where they lost to Clarkson University last year. The team heads to the Union Invitational this weekend, where they will turn to Corinne Palmer '14, the Thoroughbreds' leader in kills, hitting percentage and blocks. Marcella Familiar-Bolanos '17 leads the team in digs with 127.
Next home match: Tuesday Sept. 17 at 7 p.m.

Women's Tennis: The women's tennis team has started the 2013-2014 season in typical fashion, coming away with a convincing 9-0 win in their only match of the season. The Thoroughbreds only lost four games on their way to victory over their Liberty League opponent Bard College. Rachel Plevinsky '14 and Caroline Hobbs '17 both won their singles matches before teaming up for a victory in the doubles competition.
Next home match: Friday Sept. 20 at 6 p.m. 

The semester in review: Sports

Posted by Katie Peverada

Riding advances to IHSA nationals: With a second place finish at the Zone II championships, the Skidmore College riding team earned a return trip to the nationals, which will take place May 2-5 in Pennsylvania. Skidmore, who has won six IHSA national titles, finished first in seven consecutive shows to start the year.

Men's soccer team hires new coach: In January, after 13 years on the job, Ron McEachen announced he was retiring as the head coach of men's soccer. In March, the school named Jeremiah Kneeland as the new coach. Kneeland comes from Elmira College, where he was not only the head coach for six seasons, but also a 2005 graduate and three-year starter.

Women's tennis continues to be ranked among the best: Currently, the women's tennis team is ranked 19^th in the NCAA Division III poll, up one spot from their previous spot at No. 20. The team held the No. 16 spot before dropping a match to No. 3 Williams. The team will travel to RIT May 3-5 to play in the Liberty League Championships before the NCAA Championships May 10 and 11.

Frederick selected for Allstate Women's Basketball Coaches Association Good Works Team: Logan Frederick '13, captain of this year's women's basketball team, was one of 10 women honored for her outstanding volunteerism and civic involvement within the Saratoga Springs community. She is a volunteer firefighter/EMT, a tutor, and President of the Newman Club, just to name a few activities. Frederick was honored at the Division I Women's Final Four in New Orleans, April 7-9.