Original Article: http://dartreview.com/archives/2004/04/11/croquet_league_play_begins.php
Sunday, April 11, 2004
Warm weather, green grass, and longer days have finally returned to Hanover, and with the improved conditions, Dartmouth's nascent Croquet League will shortly begin its official season.
"We've got a solid group of newcomers, and I fully expect an exciting and hard-fought season," explained Croquet League founder and president Alston B. Ramsay. "We've got some rising stars like Kale Bongers and Dan Linsalata—and some others that show real potential, like Nat Ward, Kevin Hudak, and Jon White."
The league began pre-season at the end of last term, and the first week of Spring saw a number of highly anticipated exhibition games in front of Baker library. According to Croquet League Chief Strategist and Bar-B-Crew President T. Henry Camp, pre-season and exhibition matches have upped the overall caliber of the league: "This is a game of strategy, and some of the younger players are naturally going to need some work adjusting to croquet's nuances, getting a feel for which parts of the field play faster, and learning to identify sticky wickets."
While newcomers have come out in droves for exhibition matches, there has been one conspicuous absence during the pre-season festivities: the legendary J. Lawrence Scholer, whose reputation as the most ruthless and cunning croquet player leaves most quaking with fear. "Larry hasn't made it out yet: I think he's trying to psyche the younger kids out," said Mr. Ramsay, who is also the League's Head of Covert Operations. "Whether it's strategy, execution, or Larry's 95% success rate on long croquets, there is reason for them to be nervous."
Mr. Scholer was unavailable for comment, but a spokesman explained, "He will definitely be ready for league play."
Mr. Ramsay and Mr. Camp, along with Mr. Scholer, are perhaps the strongest contenders for the league title, though darkhorse players may emerge. "In the off season, Alston and I got together and practiced our triples, quints, and even some sextuples," said Camp. "I think our extra training and peak physical shape will allow us to excel once the season begins to take a toll on other players." Ramsay added, "Larry's been living off a reputation he earned Sophomore Summer. If he has one weakness in his game, I'd say it's hubris. He's even started referring to himself as Dartmouth's 'Reg Banford.' The gall sickens me." Mr. Banford is the reigning Croquet World Champion.
While teams have not officially been chosen, Ramsay anticipated two separate divisions, with overall standings determining seeding for the tournament at the end of the season.