Elis prepping for an Ivy League showdown

Whether an athletic team opens its season against a perennial bottom-feeder or the defending national champions, there is always an air of excitment and nervousness.

But when the season begins against a team's oldest and most hated rival, the butterflies flap that much harder—a rousing victory or demoralizing defeat could set the mood for an entire year. Such is the situation when the men's soccer team battles Harvard on Sat., Sept. 8.

Of the opening game with archrival Harvard, Geoff Hollington, DC '04, said with confidence, "It's always a good competition, but this year we've got a strong squad."

Coming off its fifth-straight winning season, the Bulldogs seem stocked with an arsenal of players ready to take on the visiting Crimson. Captain Brian Lavin, PC '02, is a two-time first team All-Ivy selection and should provide guidance on the field. The remainder of the team consists of 14 lettered athletes, including eight returning starters.

New blood may also aid the Elis in their quest for an Ivy League title; the incoming class of 2005 consists of a talented mix of players that could add depth to the line-up. Jon Skalecki, JE '05, was a member of the U.S. under-16 national team, while Eric Nou, CC '05, was once a part of the Region II Olympic Development team. Such newcomers may provide a spark on the field when the season gets into full swing this fall.

For now, the question on the minds of Yale fans and players alike appears to be: how will the men's soccer team start off its 2000-01 season?

With a bang, one assumes, when Harvard comes to town this weekend to kick-off the Bulldogs' Ivy League schedule.

—Francesca Cecil

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