Welcome to Cornell, or welcome back.
As the Sports Editor of this paper, I feel an obligation to inform you of some of the things to look for this year in Big Red athletics. And since this is the last issue of the semester which is free to everyone (unless you go online), I think this is the perfect opportunity to reach as many of you as possible.
And now, for the betterment of yourself as a person and a Cornellian, I give you J.V.’s things to look for in 2000-01.
1) The return of the “Big Three” to power — In terms of attandance each season football, men’s hockey and men’s lacrosse are the top drawing sports. And this year it will be for very good reasons. The football team returns practically its entire offense from last year, when it was one of the most potent squads in the league. The defense also returns many key players, while the incoming class looks to be big and strong which should certainly help on both sides of the ball. The men’s hockey team, fresh off a return to Lake Placid last year, looks to be a contender for the ECAC crown again this year. While the squad did lose six seniors from last year, it returns some of the biggest and most physical players in the league. And of course the men’s lacrosse team, who despite losing the Division-I Coach of the Year Dave Pietramala, has terrific young talent at all positions, including new head coach Jeff Tambroni.
2) Poloteams — Head coach Dave Eldridge is looking to pull the double whammy on the nation this year, bringing home national titles on both the men’s and the women’s sides. The women’s team, the defending national champions, returns two of its three starters from last year, while the men’s squad returns all of its starters from last year’s campaign.
3) Women’s sports — Sure this is a lot to look for, but I promise you it will be worth it. The women’s lacrosse team just missed the NCAA Tournament last year (but it mopped up the competition in the ECAC tourney), and it returns all but one starter. The field hockey team has been running with the best squads in the country for the past few seasons, and is ready for a breakout year. The women’s soccer team, basketball team, tennis team and the softball team are all also posed for league championship runs.
4) New athletic facilities — New ice in Lynah, a new floor in Newman, and permanent bleachers on Berman Field should make these venues more appealing to players and fans. There are also lights on Berman so the soccer teams may play some night games. Another nice thing about these improvements is that to check them out, all you have to do is follow my advice and go to the games of the above teams.
Now that you have all these wonderful tips, go forth into the world of Cornell athletics starting on September 8, because if you miss it, you will regret it.
Archived article by J.V. Anderton