Results from National Division III Track and Field meet

Steven M Miller Jr, Staff Writer


The lone competitor Division III Track and Field meet was junior Chrissy Hrenko. Hrenko qualified for the meet in capturing the ECAC Javelin title at SUNY Oneonta on May 18th. Hrenko's throw was good for 131"03' ft and she set the course record at SUNY Oneonta.

On Saturday (May 26th), Hrenko placed 14th in the Javelin with a throw of 129"02' ft in the first heat. She failed to qualify for the second round by less than 4 feet.

In the ECAC Championships (held on May 17th-18th), Bridgwater State had four competitors from the men's and women's outdoor track and field team competing. Here is how they finished:

-In the 10,000 meter run, junior Nicole Mauro finished in 8th place with a time of 40:34.65.
-In the Hammer Throw, senior Anna Fegan finished in a respectable 20th place with a throw of 117-03
-In the Heptathlon, Hrenko finished in 8th place with 3260 points. The winner (sophomore Jamie Landry of Rochester College) scored 3975 in the event.
-In the Triple Jump, junior Nilton Gomes jumped to a 21st place finish, with a jump of 42"-05.25'. The winner in the event (sophomore Curt Jones of Washington and Jefferson) finished with a jump of 46"01.50'.

Information courtesy of bridgew.edu/athletics and ecac.com

Division III Softball and Baseball College World Series update

Steven M Miller Jr, Staff Writer

We just wanted to update you on the results of the Division III Softball and Baseball college world series, which ended a couple of weeks ago.

In the softball College World Series, New England regional representative #6 seeded Rhode Island College was swept in both of their games that they played. Their first loss was a 9-1 loss to #3 seeded UW-Eau Claire and the second was a 10-3 to #7 seed Plattsburg State. #1 seeded Linfield was the winner of the 2007 NCAA Division III Softball College World Series tournament.

MASCAC representative Westfield State played this years regional in the New York regional, when traditionally the league representative has played in the New England Regional. Westfield was the #7 seed in the regional and they swept in both games that they played. The Owls lost the first game 10-0 to #2 seed Ithaca and they lost the second game 2-1 to #6 seed Skidmore.

The winner of the New England Regional was #2 seeded Eastern Connecticut College. They carried a perfect 4-0 record to beat conference rival Keene State 15-4 in the New England Championship regional. #1 seed Wheaton College (and favorite to win the tournament) was bounced by Keene State, who advanced to the championship game.

In the Division III Baseball College World Series, #5 seeded Eastern Connecticut was swept in both of the games they played. They lost the first game to 15-4 to #2 seeded Carthage and the second game 5-4 to #1 seeded Emory College. Emory College would go on to lose in the championship game (in extra innings) to #4 seeded Kean. Kean was the Mid-Atlantic regional winner.

Four from outdoor track team to compete at the ECAC's

Steven M Miller Jr, Staff Writer

This Thursday, Friday, and Saturday the Bridgewater State College outdoor track and field team will compete in the New England regional ECAC meet at SUNY Onenota. Each of the four runners that is competing has set the bar high as they each are trying to qualify for the Division III Nationals sometime next week.

Representatives from the women’s track and field team are junior Nicole Mauro (10,000 meter run), junior Christine Hrenko (Heptathlon and Javelin), and senior Anna Fegan (Hammer Throw). The lone representative from the men’s team will be Nilton Gomes, who will be competing in the triple jump.

This past weekend Hrenko garnered New England Intercolleciate Amatuer Athletic Association Honors with a 5th place finish in the Javelin throw, in the New England All-Divisional meet. Hrenko said that she was surprised about competing in the meet.

“I didn’t know what to expect with all divisions there,” said Hrenko. “It was awesome to throw with some much better throwers. You learn a couple of things and it’s just a really different atmosphere.”

While Hrenko’s throw didn’t qualify her for the national competition, she remains optimistic about her experience.

“I knew that I belonged there,” said Hrenko. “While I didn’t qualify for the nationals, I know that I have one more shot in the next meet.”

While competing this week in the Javelin throw, she will also be competing in the Heptathlon, which is based upon how many points you score in eight different events. The seven events in the Heptathlon are the 100m hurdles, the high jump, the shot put, the 200 m run, the 800 m run, and the javelin. The events take place over the course of two days.

Hrenko said that she often has to compete at several events at the same time.

“During meets the toughest part is trying to check in to all of my events,” said Hrenko. “It’s difficult to try and change my sneakers to another pair and it’s usually very chaotic. The coaches usually help me check me into my own events, untie my sneakers for me, and bring them to the next event when I’m ready.

Hrenko said she hopes to qualify for the national competition in the Heptathlon.

“The Heptathlon is based on points, so if I was to win the ECAC meet, I would still have to get the number of points to qualify,” said Hrenko.

Teammate Nicole Mauro said that she was amazed at how Hrenko is able to compete in so many events.

“I can only imagine how daunting the Heptathlon is,” said Mauro. “She is always moving from one event to another and then go right back to that event. Its amazing how she stays energetic throughout the competition.”

Mauro is competing in the 10,000 meter run (24 laps). She said the race is very challenging and by far, it is her favorite race to compete in.

“It’s the longest race that you can run on the track and it takes a lot of endurance and strategy,” said Mauro. “You just can’t run as fast as you can. You have to think about every lap, you need to know when to pick it up, and you need to know when relax.”

Mauro said to qualify for the Division III Nationals she would have to break the 36:00 minute qualifying time or the 37:40 provisional time. Her best time has been 38:09, which she ran two weeks ago at the New England Division III meet.

“I’m very close to hitting provisional time and I think I would be able to hit it at the ECAC’s,” said Mauro. “Unfortunately I would have to break that time by a lot to reassure a spot at the nationals. There are a number of girls who have already qualified with the provisional time and I would have to knock them out of the spot. You never know what’s going to happen though.”

Anna Fegan is competing in the hammer throw. She said that for the indoor meets she will compete in the weight throw, but the hammer throw is her favorite event.

“I’ve been doing the shot put and discus since high school, but they are not as intriguing as the hammer,” said Fegan.

The Stoughton native said that the hammer throw isn’t an event that is included in competition for outdoor track and field meets in Massacusetts high schools.

“Its (an event) that is thrown in high schools in Rhode Island, so people from that state are pretty good throwers,” said Fegan. “It supposedly takes seven years to learn how to throw and I plan on competing in the Bay State games every summer. I like watching people who are better than me, so I can watch and learn from them.

Fegan said that this is her first time competing in an event in her four years at Bridgewater.

“I never thought id qualify before in the hammer,” said Fegan. “I thought that if I ever did (qualify) it would be in the shot (put) or the disc. It has been harder to improve in those events.”

Nilton Gomes is competing in the triple jump. He thinks that he is up for the challenge at the ECAC meet.

“I think that (the triple jump) is one of the most challenging events,” said Gomes. “It requires a lot of coordination and athleticism. I have faced a lot of good competition in this event, including three All-Americans and last years (Division III) National Champion.”

Gomes says that he excited at the opportunity to compete in the ECAC meet and try to qualify for the nationals.

“I hope that I can take advantage of this opportunity,” said Gomes. “I really learned how to jump correctly this year for the first time. I think that if it’s a good day, with good weather and I’m feeling good, I just might be able to pop off a surprising jump.”

Gomes said that he would like to encourage more people from Bridgewater State to join the track team.

“There are almost 10,000 people that come to BSC,” said Gomes. “I know that there are a lot of good athletes here. They should try out for the team and showcase their talent. It’s fun and not so demanding on the schedule.”

Fegan said that she was very proud of this year’s track and field team. She also said that she was going to miss the team when she graduates in the spring.

“I’ve met so many great people and we’ve been through a lot,” said Fegan. “And we still continue to have a lot of great performances, which is something to be proud of.”

Although the outdoor track and field team is small, Hrenko said that she thinks it’s been a pretty good year.

“Everyone did really well this year, and we have
had some of our strongest performances,” said Hrenko. “Seven of us qualified for the Division III New England meet and four of us qualified for the ECAC meet. I don’t think that we have had that many people qualify before.”

Mauro said that she was happy about how this year’s track season went.

“For the most part we had a great track season,” said Mauro. “Although many of our runners fought through injuries we still had a fun and successful season. This season we were closer than ever, we were always cheering for one another and giving advice. Every year our team gets closer and stronger. Hopefully this will lead to a promising one, next year.”

This year, the women’s outdoor track and field team placed second in the six team MASCAC meet. The men’s team placed in fourth place.

The sports page of The Comment will bring you highlights, updates, and scores of this weeks ECAC meet when they become available. Stay tuned for more details.

Around the MASCAC

Steven M Miller Jr, Staff Writer


-I just thought I would update you on how other teams in the region and how they are doing in postseason play. It should be an interresting postseason for Westfield State, who will play in the New York regional, as opposed to the traditional New England regionals.


Softball
-According to the MASCAC website, #8 seeded Framingham State was swept by #1 seed RIC and #4 seed Keene State in the double elimination New England regional softball tournament. As the host, Rhode Island College won the regional this past Sunday, with a 8-4 victory over Tufts. They will advance to the College World Series, which will be held in Salem, Virgina later this week.


Women's Lacrosse
-With a close 16-12 win over Worcester State, Plymouth State University and Curry College faced off on Saturday for the Eastern ECAC Championship. In the match, Plymouth captured the crown with a 14-7 win over Curry.
-For more on the BSC Women's Lacrosse team click here


Baseball
-Westfield State (20-15) will begin regional play on Wednesday of this week. They will face off in the first round versus Ithica University (24-14), who will be hosting the regional. Should Westfield win they will face the winner of #6 Skidmore (20-18) versus #3 St Johns Fisher (26-11). Should Westfield loose they will play the looser of the Skidmore-St. Johns Fisher matchup.

-In the New England regional, the host will be the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) in Harwich, Massachusetts. The matchups are as follows:
[#1 Wheaton (31-11) gets a first round bye]
Game 1- #4 Curry (27-7) vs #5 Keene State (29-13)
Game 2- #3 Williams (25-8) vs #6 WNEC (27-10)
Game 3- #2 EConn University (34-10) vs #7 St Joe's of Maine (30-10)

-The BSC Baseball was scheduled to play EConn and Curry College, but those games were never played because of the poor weather conditions. Bridgewater State also split a series with #1 seeded Wheaton College in the middle of the season.

-As far as predictions go, I think if Westfield wins thier first game, they will advance to the third round and then not win a game. I dont know how good Skidmore is, but a 20-18 record just doesnt impress me very much. If Westfield looses their first game, they will loose the second game.
-The New England regionals will be interresting. Wheaton College is all offense, and their pitching staff is at best decent. In the BSC split, they didnt impress me much. According to D3baseball.com, Keene State almost beat EConn in the LEC league championship. But I think EConn is the team that will advance. Then again, Wheaton advanced to the College World Series finals last year, so they have the experience and rest walking into the regional. D3baseball also has Wheaton advancing. Wheaton is 2-0 vs EConn this year.
-We will update you on these regionals once the winners are announced on Saturday or Sunday.

[Side Note- I wish BSC was playing in the tournament right now; that would have been nice. But down the stretch, the team should have played so much better. At the beginning of the season I was worried about the pitching staff, but they did alright. I was most impressed with Schilling's performance (5-6 in save opportunities, 9 IP, 10 K's and 2 BB's) and sophomore Dave Liffers (5-1, 4.63 ERA, with 21 K's in 31.1 IP). The defense was what did not favor the BSC baseball team down the stretch. Most of the offense will be back next year, along with a younger pitching staff, position players (like Nik, Claffey, and Karangioze) everything should be fine. As a fan and reporter, I'm not worried about a thing]


Outdoor Track and Field
-This past weekend, junior Chrissy Hrenko earned All NIECAAA honors in the Javelin, placing 5th. Over the next week, the track team will send four players to the ECAC Championships, as they try to qualify for the National Division III meet, at the end of the month. For the womens team Hrenko will be competing in the Heptathalon and the Javelin throw. In addition, junior Nicole Mauro will compete in the 10,000 meter run, and senior Anna Fegan will compete in the hammer throw. For the men's team, junior Nilton Gomes will compete in the Triple Jump.
-The BSC outdoor track and field team leaves campus on Wednesday for a meet that will take place on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The Comment will have a preview on Wednesday.

Intramural Championship coverage

Steven M Miller Jr, Staff Writer

The Comment checks in with todays post with last Sunday's Intramural Championship weekend. Here are the highlights from the mens competative and recreation divisions, and the womens recreation division...


Men's Competative Intramural Basketball Champions:
(#2 seed) The Phenoms- 60 (#2 seed) Piledrivers- 69

For the fourth consecutive year, the Piledrivers played like champions and earned the right to play in the championship game. This senior squad led by senior center Derek Thompson, sophomore guard Jessie Texeira, and a supporting cast that is likely to graduate in May and later this winter.

Their opponents, The Phenoms, are another squad of seniors that were led by senior guard Ben Bonzey, senior guard Ryan "The Birdman" Devereaux, and senior guard Mike Dalton.

"It was great to go out on a win and to play against some good friends in a friendly situation," said Piledrivers guard John Dowaliby.

The score at the half was 39-30, but the Piledrivers remained in control the entire game. At one point the Piledrivers were up by 15 with five minutes remaining in the game and The Phenom's did the best they could to muster up a rally.

"I thought both teams played well," said Phenom captain Anthony Palladino. "They were clearly the better team and it was a tough matchup for us."

The Piledrivers were paced by an offensive attack led by Thompson in the post and Texiera along the perimeter. Texeira led all scorers with 26 points (18 in the first half) and Thomson finished the game with 14 points.

The Phenoms had a balanced attack as Bonzey scored 16, Devereaux scored 15, and Dalton scored 14 points.

Palladino said that he was sad to see such a run end with The Phenoms loosing.

"The Phenom dynasty has ended after 4 years of greatness," declared Palladino. "We made the finals or the finals in all four years. We won the championship as freshman. I was proud to captain a great group of guys."

Thompson said that he was happy about the game and everything that they had accomplished the last four years. The Piledrivers made the championship game in all four years that they played in the competitive division.

"The game was really fun and I hate to loose in anything," said Thompson. "Two championships in a row are always fun. Since we lost the first two years we competed it felt great to win the last two."

Thompson also said that The Phenoms were a good opponent and that it was a really competitive basketball match.

"Its always facing a team like The Phenoms, because everyone is good friends with one another," said Thompson. "It just makes the game that much more competitive."

Both teams will leave Bridgewater State to graduation, but never forget the good times that both dynasties dominated the basketball court.



Men's Recreational Division Champions:
(#1 seeded) Topher's Team-59 (#4 seeded) Rafer-34

#4 seeded Rafter's Cinderella season ended with a 59-34 loss to #1 seeded Tophers Team. Rafter advanced to the final match after a three point shot buzzer beater that won the game by a point. The game ending, court erupting, 25 foot buzzer beater hit by senior Kenny Beltram.

But the magic ran out in the finals at the hands of Tohper's Team. With a 31-21 score at the half, Topher's Team scored 28 points in the second half and held Rafter to 13 points.

Leading the way for Topher's Team was senior Topher Paone led all scorers scoring 17 points and freshman Anthony Bourget had 13 points. Team Rafter had a balanced scoring attack with senior scoring Mike Lesniak's 11 points, senior Emeka Duku scoring 11 points, and Beltram scoring 10.



Women's Recreational Division Champions:
(#1 seeded) Annie's Little Helpers- 59 (#2 seeded) Free Agent Force- 35

In the four team Women's Rec Championship, the top two seeds made a championship appearance. With a close 30-22 game at the half, Annie's Little Helpers dropped 29 points in the second half and held Free Agent Force to 13 points.

Annie's Little Helpers were paced in the first half by junior Lisa Barros, who scored 12 of her 16 points in the first half. In the second half senior Stephanie Johnson was impressive, as she scored 12 points in the second half, which helped seal the deal for her team. Senior Megan King also chipped in with 11 points.

Leading the way for Free Agent Force was senior Jackie Thibault, who had 16 points. Freshman KJ Rich also scored 13 points on the game.


-Check out the interview with Assistant Director of Recreation Brian Fetky after this post.

Interview with Brian Fetky

Steven M Miller Jr, Staff Writer

After obtaining the game statistics in the recreation department office, The Comment sat down with first year Assistant Director of Recreation Brian Fetky. Fetky talked at length about this years Intramural Basketball season and the variety of programs the department will be offering next semester.


What did you think about this years Intramural Basketball season?
"By far this sport is our most competitive. I'm happy that the Women's Rec. League increase in number. I was also happy that a majority of the teams showed up for their games and everyone seemed to enjoy it." (Note-Teams that do not show up for a game, forfeit the match)


What are some of this years changes that you didn't do last season?
"This year we increased the number of games by utilizing the hard court floor. We were able to increase the amount by at least 3-4 games."


Overall, what were some of the things you liked about this season?
"Overall, the staff enjoyed working the events (most of the time), and it was great to see the amount of kids involved. This is probably one of the largest programs on the campus, as far as programing goes. It was great to see commuters, residents, and staff competing against one another."


You had a team that competed from nearby Mass. Maritime Academy?
"The Mass Maritime club basketball team played in our Competitive Intramural Basketball division. I think they enjoyed the competition they faced."


What programs will you be running next semester?
"As far as leagues go, we will have a softball league, an indoor volleyball league, a dodge ball league, a badminton league, a flag football league, a tennis league, and an inter-tube water polo league. In addition, we will be running some one day tournament leagues as well. We will have a street hockey league, a 3-on-3 basketball league, and a kickball tournament."


Other than the physical activities that you mentioned, will you be offering anything else?
"We want to try and get people out of their dorm rooms that might not be interested and give them an opportunity to participate in some non-traditional programing. We will be running a family feud night and will have a FIFA Play Station 2 league in the fall. In the spring, we will have a 'Madden Spring League'"


Extra point:
A comment from faculty member Brendan Adams (who played in the recreational division along with the students for Rec. League Champion "Team Rafter"):
"It was great to see so many students participating on the basketball court. It was great to see all of the smiling faces when they were victorious."


If anyone is interested in any programing that the Recreation department has to offer visit the campus recreation website or visit the office (at the end of the back hallway past the Equipment room, in the Tinsley Center)

Lacrosse Season Ends with oss to Curry College

Steven M Miller Jr, Staff Writer


With a 17-10 loss in the ECAC semi-finals (on Friday) to #2 seeded Curry College, the #3 seeded Bridgewater State College women's lacrosse season ends with a 9-7 overall record.

BSC was down 13-2 at the half, but battled back to make the score 14-7, on a 5-1 scoring run. But Curry rattled off 2 quick goals to make it a 16-5 lead. Bridgewater State tried to make it close. They ended the game with a 6-3 run, but it wasnt enough as time ran out for the Bears.

Bridgewater State had its opportunities to score goals, attempting 22 shots in the game (14 in the second half).

"I thought we dominated in the second half," said head coach Erika Smith. "If we played like that the whole game, we would have won."

The Bears were led by freshman attacker Shannon Manning and junior midfielder Alison Gugliotta who scored three goals apiece. Senior attacker Alicia Spolidoro also chipped in with two goals.

On defense sophomore defenseman Sarah Pimental and senior attacker Kathleen Sweeney each forced two of the teams 9 ground balls.

"When its playoff time it's a matter of who wants it more," said Smith. "It was a matter of who had the fight in them (down the stretch) and that was their fuel on offense and defense."

Sweeney agreed with Coach Smith. She said that the lacrosse team never gave up during the game.

"I think we never gave up and played poised the whole time," said Sweeney. "We (never once) got down on ourselves."

In the net, freshman Chelsea Bracci registered 11 saves in the loss. This was her third start in as many games, filling in for injured goalie Jessica Cerone.

Coach Smith said that she was really proud of Bracci's performance. According to Smith, Bracci has only been playing lacrosse for the last four months.

"Chelsea came to us with no experience playing lacrosse," said Coach Smith.

Curry was relentless on offense shooting as many as 33 attempts in the 17 point loss. Coach Smith said that she was happy about Bracchi's performance.

"(Today) she came up with some huge saves, she played low (in the net) and with confidence," said Coach Smith. "I can't wait to see what (kind of goalie) she becomes in the future."

While loosing in the ECAC semifinals was a rough way to end their postseason run, Coach Smith said that shes happy about the future of the program.

"I'm very excited for what this team might be able to do next year," said Coach Smith. "With a 9 win season we are still trying to step up the ladder. We had 4 starters that were brand new to BSC and we have a great recruiting class coming up. It is an exciting future for Bridgewater lacrosse."

Coach Smith said that she was very proud of her lacrosse squad and how they played after being down at the half (10-2).

"This team never gave up," said coach Smith. "This is very hard to teach players because its one thing to tell them to do it. It has to be in them in the heart."

Sweeney is one of the three seniors that will be leaving the BSC lacrosse program. She leaves along with defenseman Kathleen Cote, and Spolidoro.

"It was a successful and unforgettable ride that I wouldn't go back and change it," said Sweeney.

The Bridgewater State women's lacrosse ends its postseason run with a 9-7 overall record and 8-6 in regular season play, on an independent league schedule.


Photo 1: The BSC women's lacrosse team stretching before the semi-final match starts.

Photo 2: Midfielder Alison Gugliotta tries defend and get the ball away from Curry center Nikky Mackay.

Photo 3: Freshman goalie Chelsea Bracchi watches the action down-field.

Photo 4: Freshman attacker Shannon Manning waits for the signal on the penalty attempt.

Photo 5: The BSC women's lacrosse team huddles up before the game starts.


Photos courtesy of Jennifer Beaudry

Reading list for the summer

Steven M Miller Jr, Staff Writer


With school almost over and the first 90 degree day ready to hit New England, I thought id share the books that I'm going to read over the summer. This list might not even get read because ill most likely be distracted with the summer blockbuster movies that will be playing [seriously, Spiderman 3, Pirates of the Caribbean 3, Transformers, Die Hard (that's like #4 or #10 I believe; its hard to keep track with Bruce Willis making 5 movies every year), the new Harry Potter movie, and I'm probably missing like 5 more good movies]. And ill probably be working 50+ hours a week on top of that, so this list is not even going to be read. If this is the case, the books will have more use as kindling for a campfire, getting recycled, or donated to charity. I guess this becomes all the more motivation to get it done.

Let Me Tell You a Story (Red Auerbach w/John Feinstein)

-With the state of the Boston Celtics, I wonder if Red is turning in his grave. But I will read this novel first because I the first line is so enticing. "Did I ever tell you about Wilt Chamberlain?" Its a book that must read like a conversation, but reads like a story. Its like reading a play by Shakespeare, yet you don't spend 10 minutes on every page. As a coach, Auerbach was the mastermind behind Boston winning nine championships. As an executive helped make the Celts a household name again drafting and trading for hall of famers like Bird, McHale, and Parrish. With the popularity of the NBA waning, I wonder what kind of perspective Red gives in this novel that has drawn rave reviews from anyone I've asked about it.


Game of Shadows (Mark Fainaro-Wada and Lance Williams)

-In my trip to Boston this past weekend, I decided that I wanted more of a perspective on the steroid issue and about Bonds himself. I am very skeptical about everything now that Bonds is putting together a very good season [.307, 11 HR, 23 RBI, 25 runs, .512 OBP, 37 walks (leads MLB)]. According to a recent Jackie MacMullen column, she calls it the "most comprehensive journalistic work on steroids to date." Where we get the history of steroids from Howard Bryant (Juicing the Game) and Conceco's exaggerated account, this book is next in the series. It puts together what we know and compels us to think long and hard about the Maguire-Sosa home run chase and Barry's 72 home run season (among other things. While I believed at the time that Bonds was "juicing" and am still rather skeptical (even though Bonds denies everything), this book is a reading for perspective on a very controversial issue.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (J.K. Rowling)
Spoiler Warning (Do not read if you have not read the other 6 books)

-I might consider re-reading the fifth and the sixth books before I even think about reading the seventh installment in the series. Along with the rest of the world, I await for this book to be released on July 21st, and wonder what surprises this novel will have inside.
-(Here come the theories) I think that Snapes a double agent that doesn't care one way or the other about what side really wins. My friend Chip is convinced hes a traitor (even after rereading the sixth book) and he will continue to be one in this book. I think he will come up in the clutch and help Harry do what he has to do at the end of the book. I also think Ron is going to die (stolen from a professors comment) and lots of drama is going to happen between Hermione and Harry. This series has taken some unusual twists and turns and no one will be able to predict what the future holds for Harry, Lord Volder-cant say the name, Ron, Hermionie, Malfoy, the Order, and the rest of the cast.


Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer (Warren St. John)

-While looking up information about Every Week in a Season (see below), this book was recommended as an exciting read about the Crimson. Two summer's ago, I was fortunate to read "Coach" (about Bear Bryant's seasons at Alabama), and ever since I have been intrigued by Alabama football ever since. With so many rivalries like Michigan-Ohio State, Red Sox-Yankees, Texas-Texas A & M, its a wonder that we have little time to appreciate the most heated southern rivalry, the Iron Bowl. A book written from an outsider gives the best impressions of what the insider is thinking, because they aren't biased towards leaning in any particular way. I look forward to reading a book that talks about one of the best conferences in college football (with some pretty intense-hardcore fans).


The Brothers Karamazov (Fyodor Dostoevsky)

-I was a freshman in my Western Political Thought class, and Professor Barkalow asked the class to name off titles of books. I decided to get some participation points and called out, "Crime and Punishment" (one of my all-time favorite books) Barkalow looked at me and said, "Mr Miller, that book is secondary. The Brothers Karamazov is much better."
-Four years later, I am still shocked at the preposition. Crime and Punishment is a novel that starts off slow and then makes the reader grip the book to the very last page, and that includes the epilogue. A novel that gives the reader an inside look in the mind of a killer and his attempt to get away with the "perfect" crime, it goes beyond the text introducing such themes as existentialism.
-With that being said, I am still intrigued by my professors suggestion. While 824 pages makes any reader shudder, I believe I am ready for the task at what many people say is Dosteoevsky's best novel.

Season on the Brink (John Feinstein)

-I look forward to reading a book that has Bobby Knights name written all over it. After "surviving" four seasons with BSC coach Joe Farroba, I look to draw comparisons to Knights larger than life figure. I once thought about picking up Knights autobiography, but now I think im going to read an outsiders view before I get what goes through the mans brain. In Halberstrams Education of a Coach (see below), we gain perspective on what Belichick thinks about. In this book, maybe Feinstien offers the same thoughts and more on Bobby Knight and his Indiana Hoosers


Fear: The History of a Political Idea (Corey Robin)

-As political science majors, we are required to take senior seminar and we had to buy this book for this class. I read a few pages and thought the ideas of Hobbes were cute, but not particularly enlightening. Now that Ive read Leviathan (by Hobbes), the Persian Letters (by Montesquieu), and understand a little more about political theory, the premise of the book proves rather fascinating. In the first half of the book, Robin says that for us to understand fear, we need to know the history of fear. He delves into such topics like the totalitarianism of communism and the Nazi party, and the tyranny of the absolute rule of french kings. The second half of the book goes into the American style of fear, that attempts to explain fear within a democracy (esp. with McCarthyism and 9/11)
-I want to read the rest of this book not just because I'm interested in the subject matter, but for the perspective. Fear in politics can sometimes make people rally in the streets or keep them in their homes. While America has a fascination with scary movies and the unknown, I want to read this book for what we do know, because (more often than not) history repeats itself.



Other considerations:
-A Good Walk Spoiled (John Feinstein)
-What no one ever tells you about Blogging and Podcasting (Ted Demopoulous)
-Angels and Demons (Dan Brown)
-Debt of Honor (Tom Clancy)
-Freakeomics (Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner)
-Juiced (Jose Conceco)


Last Summers Reading List (author and rating out of 5 stars, with commentary):

The Last Amatuers (by John Feinstein): 2 stars
Comment- Little on the dry side, but Division 1 Basketball at its finest

Boys of Summer (by Roger Kahn): 3.5 stars
Comment- This book about the 52' Dodgers first half starts off slow and dramatic, but the second half of the book gives you the goosebumps and the chills in some places because Kahn makes you feel for the characters

Da Vinci Code (by Dan Brown): 4 stars
Comment- A 105 chapter, 454 page book that I finished in a day. It gave me perspectives to Christianity I never thought existed. Truly a case where the book really is so much better than the movie.

Education of a Coach (David Halberstram): 6 stars
Comment- If you ever wanted to know more what is really inside the mind of Bill Belichick and possibly ever other pro coach out there. A masterpiece that makes you appreciate the NFL.

LT: Over the Edge (Lawrence Taylor): 3.25 stars
Comment- If you want to hear about a former Pro Star brag about all of his crazy times with drugs and alcohol (Chivas and Milk, how can you stomach that crap) and how he got his life cleaned up in rehab this is your book. Interesting perspective from a legend.

Heat (Dwight Gooden): 2.5 stars
Comment- A much more dramatic story of one of the best young pitchers in baseball, his troubles with cocaine, and how he tried to get his life in order. While LT's book is good, Gooden's is more dramatic.

October Men (Roger Kahn): 4 stars
Comment- Kahn does it again when it comes to the 78' Yankees. A book that offers one of the best glances of who George Stienbrenner really is, in a book that wasn't written at the time, but in 2003. This is a book that I highly recommend if your a die-hard Sox fan because of the insight and perspective it provides about the team you hate the most, the Yankees.

Feeding the Monster (Seth Mookin): 4 stars
Comment- If you ever wanted to know the "real" story behind the current ownership group (Henry, Werner, and Lucchino) this is the book. With insight strait from the front office (similar to the Moneyball approach), its a good read.

Every Week in a Season (Brian Curtis): 0.5 stars
Comment- I learned more about college football from the AP wire reports (this season) than I did from this book. The chapters don't flow well and the attempt at being dramatic falls short of the authors expectations. His main ideas (what coaches do to prepare and practice) are just another way of restating the same bland thing over and over and over again. Just horrible.

Now I Can Die in Peace (Bill Simmons): 3.5 stars
Comment- A book I bought in the fall and finished a few weeks ago, I thought it was really good. One of those books that recaps the last 6 years of Red Sox baseball really well. There were times I laughed, shook my head in disagreement, and actually cried; a book that makes me wonder when the next "Sports Guy" book is coming out.

New photos on the blog site

The Comment has added new photos of the MASAC Softball tournament games and yesterdays women's lacrosse games. We will list links so that you can check them out on your computer.


MASCAC Softball Tournament:
Softball team advances to nightcap versus Westfield State
Softball team will play Sunday in championship game versus Framingham
Softball post game comments from Coach Maguire and junior outfielder Katie Holbrook
Softball team bounced from MASCAC Tournament in 1-0 loss to Framingham


Other posts:
All-MASCAC Softball-Baseball teams announced
Women's lacrosse team beats Castleton State College to advance to the semifinals
Curry College preview for semifinal matchup versus Bridgewater State


-The Comment will have a recap of this past Sunday's Intramural Championship's and an interview with Assistant Recreation Director Brian Fetky on next semesters happenings in the Rec. department.
-Stay tuned for more information

Womens Lacrosse semi-final preview versus Curry

Steven M Miller Jr, Staff Writer

With a win over Castleton on Thursday, #3 seeded Bridgewater State College advances to in the semifinal match versus #2 seeded Curry College. This game will be a rematch from the season opener. BSC first faced Curry, in Florida, in the opening game of the season. Bridgewater lost the game 9-18.

Head coach Erika Smith said this squad is a completely different team than the one that faced Curry at the beginning of the season.

"It will be a totally different game this time around," said Coach Smith. "Before it was the very first game of the season and I think we were overwhelmed in Florida. Now we are a smarter team and more together."

Curry College brings an 14-4 record to the match and is 3-0 versus opponents that Bridgewater State has beaten (Worcester State, Lassell, and Salve).

Freshman attacker Shannon Manning said its going to be a battle because both teams are pretty evenly matched.

"It should be a fair match and a really good game," said Manning. "It will be a battle of who wants it more because both teams are so evenly balanced."

Cote said that everyone on the team has been excited for the rematch versus Curry College.

"This is what we have worked for all season," said senior defenseman Kathleen Cote. "Its the matchup that everyone has been looking forward to once we found out we would play Curry if we advanced."

Coach Smith said that the ECAC Tournament is an exciting opportunity for her squad.

"The last time we were here was in 2004 when I was a senior on the team," said Smith. "With 9 wins, up from last years 4 wins, its a huge improvement. It shows what kind of team we really are."

Cote said that as a senior she is happy to take play in the ECAC Tournament.

"I think we have a good chance of winning this tournament," said Cote. "We have worked hard all season, and it would be great to win the whole thing in my senior year."

Manning said that as a freshman, she is having a good time playing in the ECAC's.

"I think this is just a really awesome experience," said Manning. "We deserve to be here and I'm just phyked that we have the opportunity to play in this tournament."

The winner of this matchup will play the winner of #1 seeded Plymouth State versus #4 seeded Worcester State. Bridgewater State and Curry College will play at 6 pm at Curry, in Milton.

The winners of the semifinal matches will play in the ECAC Eastern Championship game on Saturday.


Photo 1: Junior midfielder Kathryn Sweeney tries to get around the Castleton defender

Photo 2: Freshman attacker Kate DeMaio tries to dig the ball out of the turf

Photos courtesy of Steven M Miller, Jr


ECAC Tournament bracket