Davenport

As the times change, so do the seasons. We bid an ambivalent farewell to fall IMs, to the never-say-die attitude of women's soccer, to the flashes of brilliance shown by men's soccer, to the camaraderie of men's and coed football and to the sadly unfulfilled dreams of back-to-back tennis titles. No more missed busses, no more late afternoon section excuses, no more rainouts, no more bloodied soccer players.

So we usher in the winter season with open arms and high hopes. Where else to begin but the terror on ice, D'port hockey? After burying 11 wannabe teams last year, the club returns almost completely intact and breathing competitive fire. The rumor in these parts is that somewhere nearby lurks a young college fellow just achin' for a piece of the action. We look forward to another fine season.

B-hoops also returns from a successful campaign, having dropped only two contests last year. What is the secret of their success? Depth, with quality players from the first guy to the last. Depth that allows a few of the fellas to make the big move to A-ball this year. But don't expect the tougher competition to frighten these guys. And don't expect another one-win season from the A-ballers either.

But winning isn't everything. That is a lesson we in D'port have learned better than almost anyone. And who better to drive the point home than IM waterpolo, inspired by one simple conviction--who the hell can take himself seriously in an innertube? You may escape with the victory, but the last laugh (and the first, and all the ones in between) will be ours.

"Come gather 'round people who call D'port their home. And admit that the spirit around you has grown. And accept that soon triumph will be all our own. If DC to you is worth savin', then you better start playing. And they'll sink like a stone. For the times they are a-changin.'"

Thanks, Bob Dylan, for helping build the competitive spirit of the D'porters.

(Compiled by Chumbawamba. We get knocked down, but we get up again--you ain't never gonna keep us down.)

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