9.1

SPORTS

The Norwich Guidon
October 30, 2003

Women's basketball players scrimmage with men for better competition

By Justin Fitzgerald
Norwich Guidon Staff Writer

An athletic group of young women on the Norwich campus are looking for some strong and energetic men for a little one-on-one and group action.

Many of these women are freshmen who are a little nervous about playing with young men, but are eager to improve their skills -- at basketball, that is.

"It would be a little intimidating, but a good experience and a fun challenge," said Sarah Chap, 18, a freshman physical education major from Stockbridge, Vt. "I don't usually like playing basketball against guys, but I think it will improve my game."

The Lady Cadets basketball team is looking for any men on campus who would be interested in trying out for their scrimmage squad.

"I went to the gym one day to play some basketball, and the girls were having open gym, and not enough girls showed up to have a five-on-five, so they asked me and a friend to join in, and we played a couple of pick-up games," said Michael Lopez, 21, a junior criminal justice major from Fitchburg, Mass. "Even though it was just a pick-up game, they didn't take it easy; they played serious."

These women are taking the game seriously and are willing to work hard. And they are preparing to win every game this season. The team is looking for a male scrimmage squad, because they can provide "better competition," said Allison Weber, 18, a freshman architecture major from Canton, Penn. "Most of the girls that would be competitive with us are on the team."

There are mixed opinions among the women when it comes to scrimmaging men. Some welcome the competition, while others are a little apprehensive.

"I personally don't like playing against guys," said Kelley Kating, 19, a freshman undeclared major from Topsham,Vt. "I'm always afraid that when I box them out, I'm going to hit them."

"The boys here are a lot bigger than most of the girls, so it would be a challenge to play against them," Chap said.

"I think it's more competitive," Weber said. "I heard the coaches in the past have had scrimmage squads, and it tends to help the team be more competitive in their games."

Men on campus are already considering going out for the scrimmage squad, and some are even a little intimidated by the women.

"Having watched the Lady Cadets last year a couple times, I think I'd be intimidated playing them, because they were definitely good," said James Hoffman, 22, a junior criminal justice major from Lunenburg, Mass.

The Norwich Guidon is a twice-monthly student newspaper distributed at Norwich University. It provides laboratory experience for students in the Communications program. Claims asserted by letter writers, editorials and other articles do not represent the positions of Norwich University. The Norwich Guidon welcomes signed letters to the editor. They should be no longer than 300 words. Unsigned letters will not be printed, but names may be withheld upon worthy request. All letters are subject to editing for length and good taste. Mailing address: The Norwich Guidon, Communications Center, Norwich University, Northfield, VT 056632. www.norwich.edu/guidon. If you have any questions or comments about the paper, please contact Professor Ken Bush at kbush@norwich.edu.