'U' students keep eyes on '98 Olympics

As Olympians in Nagano, Japan lace up their skates and wax their skis, students at the University are are turning on all the action.

LSA junior Juliet Newcomer, a member of the Figure Skating Club on campus, said she awaits the performance of friends Tara Lipinski, Todd Eldredge and Nicole Bobek, with whom she skated with before she came to the University.

As an athlete, Newcomer knows what Olympians went through to get to Nagano.

"I've skated with (Todd Eldredge) for so long, I see how hard he's worked for it, and I'd love to see him win the gold," Newcomer said.

Since much of the live coverage airs in the early morning, Newcomer said she plans to tape the events.

LSA sophomore Tami Tarnow, a member of the Figure Skating Club, is getting ready to see her friends go for the gold.

"I think it's pretty amazing that there are six people from Michigan on the (Olympic figure skating) team. That's almost half."

In addition to the traditional sports, this year the Olympic Games are scheduled to include more unconventional sports.

For the first time in the 70-year history of the Winter Olympics, snowboarding and women's hockey are included in the roster of events.

LSA first-year student Brian Siff said "snowboarding will be cool to see; it's interesting to watch."

LSA first-year student Kelly Reed said she is happy to see unconventional women's sports getting attention.

"I think it's great to see women's hockey in the Olympics," Reed said. "It's great for the sport to be recognized at that level."

The novelty of the newly included sports may draw viewers to the games.

"I'm not a big hockey fan but (women's hockey) will be interesting to watch," said LSA sophomore Dayna Frey.

Women aren't the only athletes being welcomed into the Olympic hockey rink this year. They will be joined by many NHL superstars.

In the past, the Winter Olympics have overlapped with the NHL season, but this year the NHL is taking a two-week break. This measure will allow players to join their native countries' teams as they vie for Olympic medals.

Students said they look forward to seeing Detroit Red Wing favorites Brendan Shanahan, Steve Yzerman, Niklas Lindstrom and Sergei Federov among the Olympians.

"I plan on watching hockey," said Business senior Scott Buser. "The level of play will be increased this year. It might be more interesting."

But other students said they disagree.

"I don't think that professional athletes should be allowed in the Olympics," Reed said. "I don't think the playing field is as fair."

Some students have already chosen favorites in the Games.

"I want to watch Tara Lipinski," Frey said. "She's from around here. I think that's neat."

02-09-98