Squashhitsthe DixonCenter

by Paul Moser sports editor

Some people are born with ~ilver sfl()ons in their hands and others are born with other objects, such as baseballs and footballs, in their hands. Ziggy Whitman, a high school junior from Penn Charter, was born with a squash racket in his hand.

This extension of his limb was apparent when Whitman and Matt Ogelsby played an exhibition match against each other while teaching a seminar on squash Wednesday, Oct. 21, in the Dixon Center.

Between lightning quick reactions and point-saving dives, the two would stop play and explain what just happened to the audience watching, with the intent of passing along the knowledge of the sport to th1 crowd.

Dr. Sharon Schwarze, philosophy department chair and avid squash player, organized the event.

'The purpose for the event was to get people more interested in squash and for them to try it out," Schwarze said. Schwarze also said that she plans to have more events like this on campus.

Along with the seminar, each athlete talked a little about where they were from.

According to Whitman, he began his budding career in squash almost out of the womb. Whitman used to bat balloons against the wall when be was just an infant. Whitman said he has competed professionally since the age of nine in squash. Perhaps that head start paid off. Whitn}an is currently ranked ninth amonr high <;;;h~)ol juniors in the United States.

Ogelsby started playing at a young age as well and ended up a junior national champion twice.

Ogelsby, although retired from the professional squash circuit, still plays professionally in another sport: lacrosse. Ogelsby is a member of the world champion Philadelphia Wings.

Ogelsby attributes his success in lacrosse to his squash training. He plays the sport for the fitness aspect but also for the work in footwork. That was evident in the amount of sprinting, cutting and weaving the two did m their 45-m.inute exhibition match.

Both Whitman and Ogelsby agreed in their lesson that squash is a grueling game that requires a good deal of stamina to play. The two, seemingly in top physical condition, had beads upon beads of sweat descending from their brows.

Next time you step towards the Dixon Center stairs to make the trek to the fitness room, try and notice the glass arenas to your right. For just the loan of your school I.D., you will get expensive equipment to borrow for the squash workout. You might just get more than you bargained for.

MidnightMadnesskicksoffCabrinihoopsseason

A slam dunk competition and other games, including races and drills, highlighted the annual start of basketball season. The crowd of over 200 was able to look beyond several glitches occurring through the night, such as short planning and a faulty sound system.

by Nick Luchko staff writer

Let the games begin.

The men's and women's basketball team opened play this past Friday during Cabrini College's rendition of Midnight Madness, that almost wasn't.

Midnight Madness was orga.nized by Student Government Association one week before the event. SGA president Chris Nielsen declined to comment, however, on the reasons why.

A crowd of over 200 students, parents and alumni packed the Dixon Center to welcome back the returning Cavaliers and welcome newcomers to both teams.

The festivities were run by the the SGA and both teams.

"It was well attended event a~d everyone that was there had 'a good time," Nielsen said. "The only regret is that the sound system did not work."

The sound system static was just one complaint that ran rampant throughout the crowd.

The night started out with the SGA giving anyone in the house $50 if they could make a halfcourt shot. With about 15 participants throwing basketballs at the net, first-year student Colin McGinley came out the winner, hitting the difficult shot. The cheerleaders came out next, performing their routine. Sophomore and team member Sue Szfran said, "The crowd's response was really good and our performance went really well."

After a brief intermission, the lights dimmed and the legendary tune of "Cashmere," performed by Led Zeppelin, came over the sound system. From out of the darkness came the Cavaliers and the Lady Cavaliers as the crowd cheered.

The Cavs did a couple of drills and then Coach John Dzik got on the mic.

He first thanked everyone for coming out and instructed the captains of the men's basketball team to reveal their 1997-98 championship banner.

Dan Welde, Lady Cavs coach, came up and introduced his team. His speech was highlighted by his introduction of team captain and senior Melissa Posse.

First year student and team member Maryellen Murphy said, "My first experience of Midnight Madness was really fun and a good experience."

Lisa Melish then introduced her cheerleading squad with the men's team providing a gauntlet for them to go through.

Coach Dzik then began his introduction of the men's squad. He first introduced his assistants and team managers, then brought out the non-returning players from last year's championship team. Finally he brought out the returning players from last year's team and the newcomers.

Each player, coach and manager was given a jacket from last year's championship team. The jacket was designed by former player John Drummond.

After the introduction of the players, Coach Dzik put both teams through numerous competitions.

The first was a three-point shooting contest, which the men have never lost.

Representing the men were senior Randall Sims, Gabe Hargrove and senior Bill Gibson while the women counter attacked with Murphy, junior Jackie Pierangeli and sophomore Gina Virelli. In the end it was the men coming away with the win to continue its undefeated streak.

The next competition was an audience-team competition. The game, "BASKETball," was to have each member of their respective team spin headfirst around a bat, go the length of the floor and make a lay-up. Many laughs from the audience and both teams were heard but in the end it was the Lady Cavs coming out on top

The final competition was the dunk contest won by first-year student Jamil Gaines. The best 'foaction for a dunk had to be for John Drummond's tomahawk during the crowd competition. Most stylish was sophomore Jon Love's dunk, using first year student Jim Foley's back for a jam.

Overall, Midnight Madness gave the students of Cabrini College a chance to come out and supports the teams. The sound might not have been corning through the speakers that well, but the crowd's enthusiasm made up for it in the end.