Friday, June 16, 2006

Of All-Americans and Indian Nicknames

Dartmouth will line up against three players accorded first-team preseason All-America honors by Lindy's magazine. No surprise that quarterback Ricky Santos and wide receiver David Ball have won that honor for their play at UNH, the preseason No. 1 team in the nation according to Lindy's. The surprise might be that Brown placekicker Steve Morgan is first-team. But maybe it shouldn't be a surprise. As this story shows, Morgan has been a major factor in Brown's resurgence and a reminder of just how important a talented kicker can be. (I can make a very good argument that Dartmouth's downfall in John Lyons' final year can be traced back largely to an unexpected kicking problem.) ... Yale offensive lineman Ed McCarthy was named to Lindy's second team preseason All-America squad. ... Now, I wouldn't put much credence in these teams; it's doubtful the writer/editor has seen someone like McCarthy play. Still, being on the team is better than not being on the team ;-)

Whenever Indian nicknames are in the news Dartmouth people sit up and take notice. An alum tipped me off to: WHY THE “SIOUX” MAY HAVE TO SUE, a letter from the president of the University of North Dakota to the NCAA. Interesting web site, to be sure. ... William & Mary is also appealing and this link sets forth the school's argument for being allowed to be called The Tribe.

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