Lewis & Clark sails again

by Milo Mitchel

Sailing at Lewis & Clark is being transformed by the emergence of a new fleet of collegiate racers, The Pirates of Palatine Hill. Now with the help of National Laser Champion Kerry Poe, and the Portland State University (PSU) team, the pirates have already raced in two consecutive regattas and are training for spring. The LC sailing team is geared towards all levels of sailors, from the leisure sailor to the foul weather pirate, and instruction is always available for the inexperienced. LC’s unique partnership with PSU has also provided the sailing team with the opportunity to become a nationally competitive team. PSU team captain Jeff Causey has been instrumental in the formation of the LC team, and has helped LC sailors refine their theory and technique. "I’m really impressed with the LC team, I know there are lots of new sailors who have just dived in [literally], and are doing really well" said Jeff.

It’s been years since the boathouse blew of the LC sailing dock in a typhoon, but the LC sailing team never quite recovered from the loss of all their equipment. Now that the club has been chartered by the Chartering and Budget Committee, a new budget has revived the sport from its slumber, and its looking for recruits. The team now attends practice with PSU twice a week at the Willamette Sailing Club, with the expertise of coach Kerry Poe, who encourages LC to attend. Practice race courses are set up, and after the race the two teams discuss theory and the rules of right of way. The practices are a chance to learn sailing skills that will last a lifetime, and sailing theory that applies to vessels of all sizes.

The Pirates were able to take part in the last two local regattas of the fall season, University of Oregon’s Outlaw regatta and PSU’s invite. Both of these events took place at the Willamette Sailing Club. These races attract competitive schools; those in LC’s district are Washington State University, Western Washington University, University of Washington, University of Oregon, and Portland State University. During the spring season the team will have the opportunity to race in regattas across the country, provided a team is able to train through the winter. The Pirates are not fair weather sailors; in fact, they are even equipped with wetsuits for foul weather.

The Pirates of Palatine Hill have big plans for the future, but they are lacking in one key ingredient: participation. "They need some more interest for the coming years" said Jeff. Jeff has only been racing for three years, and as a freshman it hasn’t taken him long to become PSU’s top sailor. "Sailing is the most diverse sport I can think of, it’s super challenging, and it’s a big mental game for everyone involved" said Jeff. The variety of different boats to sail (Lasers, CFJ’s, and Capri’s) along with the cerebral nature of the sport makes racing unique and engaging for all its participants.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the sailing club and team can E-mail Milo Mitchel at mitchel@lclark.edu.

LC Sports Report

Football ends season

For the third year in a row, the Lewis & Clark Pioneers finished their season with a 3-6 record. After a loss in their final game by the score of 35-7, head coach Mike Fanger's coaching record improves to an overall 9-27.

In the 2002 season there were some positive qualities. Quarterback Trent Thompson passed for a total of 1,990 yards, ran for 565 yards and scored a total of 22 touchdowns.

Runningback Mickey Rosendahl rushed for 423 yards and scored 8 TDs. Nick Bodeman had the most receiving yards with 686 and tied with Matt Jackson for the most receiving TDs with 5. Chris Stokes led the defense with 105 tackles. David Warth totaled 5 sacks for the season.

Also, congratulations are in order for the Pioneers four-year seniors. Michael Bolenbaker, K.C. Fike, Matt Jackson, Rusty Linsey, Luke Speckman, Chris Smith, Tyler Svenson, Ricky Vahl, David Warth. Your fellow students are proud of your dedication and your hard work. Thank you.

Good luck to the 2003 Fighting Football Pioneers.

Lights for Griswold?

The ever-polular issue of constructing lights for Griswold Stadium is again making news. The idea, first proposed years ago, has faced resistance from members of the neighborhood community. Lewis & Clark College has recently submitted a proposal to the city of Portland seeking to add lighting to Griswold. The college held an open house with members of the community regarding lighting plans on November 14th.

LC remains sensitive to concerns of the community yet maintains the necessity for lighting for the field. As the field is shared by numerous team sports and daylight hours limit the amount of available time, LC claims that lighting would allow for expansion of athletic programs such as women's soccer.

Griswold Stadium seats 3,600. In 1999 the field was renovated and the track was resurfaced.

Peterson calls it quits

After four years as he head coach of the Lewis & Clark College Volleyball program and an overall win-loss record of 6-86, Michelle Peterson is stepping down from her position.

The Lady Pioneers had their most successful season in years this season, finishing with a 4-22 record. LC will begin a search for a new volleyball coach soon. The Pioneers finished the 2002 season with a loss at home to University of Puget Sound.