GREEN JOTTINGS

This month's column would be incomplete if we did not pay tribute to those who were involved in staging the NCAA ski championships here March 5-7. An early spring thaw, a heavy rain, a flood and even a washed out bridge, made this one of "the most Confusing Ski Meets Ever Run." But when it was all over coaches and skiers alike had nothing but praise for the work done by Director Colby Bent, DOC Executive Director John Rand '3B, Dartmouth Ski Coach Al Merrill, and the others responsible.

The cross country race was moved three times and finally ended up at Holderness School near Plymouth, N.H. The College and NCAA owe a real debt to the Holderness students, their ski coach Bill Clough, and Bob Searles '42 for their efforts in preparing the course.

The ski jump was held at the Vale of Tempe, but only after hours of preparation by the students of the DOC who helped to pack the jump with imported snow. Then there was the giant slalom at the Dartmouth Skiway, which became the downhill at Mt. Ascutney, but finally ended up a giant slalom at Cannon Mountain after a heavy rain, not to mention a flood which took out the White River bridge. It was quite an accomplishment to run a meet under these conditions, but the DOC came through as usual.

The first indoor kayak slalom ever held in the United States took place on March 7 in Dartmouth's new swimming pool. Competitors from three kayak and canoe clubs raced through a ten-gate course. Jay Evans '49, Ledyard Canoe Club adviser, was first with a time of 49.4 seconds. Dr. Barbara Wright of the Kayak and Canoe Club of Boston was second. Chris Knight and Brad Dewey of Ledyard Canoe Club were fourth and fifth.

Irving E. Smith '4l, Associate Director of Athletics, has been elected to serve as one of a special three-man committee on accelerated academic programs for the NCAA. This committee will study the impact of acceleration in academic calendars on the athletic programs of over 600 member institutions in the NCAA.

Former Dartmouth football great Ed Healey 'lB is one of seven players selected for professional football's Hall of Fame at Canton, Ohio. Mr. Healey was the first player bought by George Halas, coach of the Chicago Bears, and has been termed by that coach as "the most versatile tackle of all time." He joined the Bears after two years at Rock Island and after an outstanding collegiate career under Coaches Frank Cavanaugh and Clarence "Doc" Spears. Mr. Healey is now retired and living at Niles, Mich. He is expected to participate in official ceremonies at the Hall of Fame next September.