by Martin Davis
Staff Writer
As of September 1, 2014, ice hockey has officially come to Sewanee. The club, started in the summer by Selby Austin (C’17) and Martin Davis (C’17), was officially approved by the SGA Monday night.
The group of roughly 20 players is looking forward to testing the frozen waters later this year. The team will play at the new Ford Ice Center, located on I-24, in the Fall. They will be playing in a league with Middle Tennessee State University, Vanderbilt University, Belmont University, and Trevecca Nazarene University. In addition to the league schedule, Sewanee will play against Vanderbilt on November 2nd.
“I know a lot of kids here at Sewanee that come from a hockey background,” noted Austin. “Everyone I’ve spoken with misses the sport and our goal has been to instill a hockey culture here at Sewanee.” A hockey culture at Sewanee could not have come at a better time. With schools like MTSU resurrecting their team, as well as club foundings by both Trevecca and Belmont this year, Sewanee’s entrance will be a competitive one. Additionally, Vanderbilt already boasts an ACHA team. This could potentially lead to an easy transition for Sewanee into varsity hockey in the future. Ideally, Tennessee will have four more ACHA hockey teams in 5 years’ time.
Here on the Mountain, club sports have worked their way up to the varsity scene with success in the past. Lacrosse is a prime example, now boasting a flourishing record. Hockey too has the untapped potential to someday achieve the same. Additionally, perhaps prospective hockey players will begin to consider making their way to the Domain in the future.
“I remember just talking about starting an ice hockey club,” said Austin, when asked about Sewanee becoming a hockey school. “With the opening of the Ford Ice Center, and some work this summer, it’s hard to believe where it’s come already.”