The Cornell Daily Sun (https://cornellsun.com/2004/11/11/scotts-size-belies-big-heart/)
Scott's Size Belies Big Heart
By | November 11, 2004
Playing for a team in which the average height falls somewhere between 6-1 and 6-3, one would assume men's hockey freshman Topher Scott could be easily overlooked. Listed at 5-6 — it is unclear whether that measurement includes skates or not — and a paltry 155 pounds, it's easier to envision Scott standing on his toes to get on a roller coaster rather than banging bodies with college hockey's elite. However, for the scrappy center out of Buffalo Grove, Ill., donning his oversized red and white jersey every weekend is just about the most natural thing to do.
"I don't ever really think about [my height]," Scott said. "I have no control over it. I just go out there and do what I know I'm capable of doing."
Scott has already given coaches, teammates and fans alike a taste of his talents on the ice, and already the rookie has people begging for more. The line of Scott, Matt Moulson and Shane Hynes has been the Red's most prolific this season, already accounting for six goals and 15 points. Scott himself has dazzled observers with an innate ability to find open spaces on the ice and orchestrate plays worthy of any SportsCenter segment. After stealing the spotlight with two goals in Cornell's exhibition win over McGill, Scott has worked behind the scenes in the regular season, recording three assists thus far.
So does this mean that for a team which typically prides itself on a rough, physical forecheck and an intimidating defense, size suddenly doesn't matter?
"A lot of opponents underestimate me and think they can control me," Scott said. "All I can do is work my hardest and play the way I know I can."
Much of Scott's success can be credited to his on-ice intellect and his ability to outwit rival defenders – a critical attribute in this age of increasingly colossal defensemen. Furthermore, Scott makes up for one physical disadvantage by offsetting it with a key advantage – he is one of the most well-conditioned and hard-working athletes on the Red.
"[Topher] is one of the smartest players I've ever played with," Moulson said. "He always uses his brain on the ice, and he never lets his size be an issue."
Another physical issue Scott has had no trouble dealing with is contact after the whistle – especially in terms of the occasional on-ice fisticuffs.
"Sometimes he will come into [a scuffle] like he's watching my back," Moulson laughed. "He can definitely hold his own out there."
For Scott, the bonds of team loyalty and respect run far deeper than any personal apprehensions regarding height, or lack thereof.
"That's what teammates do – they look out for each other," he said. "Everyone on our team is dedicated to winning."
Scott's journey to Ithaca began with the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League, a Junior "A" team based near his hometown. He played for the Steel for four seasons — three during high school and one after graduating – and was among the team leaders in scoring during his final campaign (21 goals, 31 assists). He cites his experience in the USHL as crucial to his current success in the ECACHL.
"[The USHL] really makes a man out of you," Scott said. "It gets you ready for the college game."
However, little could prepare the freshman for what he was to witness within the historic halls of Lynah on game night.
"I've played before some big crowds, but I've never seen anything like this before," he said. "I get the chills whenever I step onto the ice. Everything I've seen with the fans here has blown my mind."
To prepare himself for both the mental and physical rigors of a regular season contest, Scott indulges in two activities meant to provide both a clear mindset and a significant dose of inspiration. True to his roots, this Midwesterner catches a few country tunes (favorites include Garth Brooks and Alan Jackson) and a motivating film each day prior to a game. However, no individual ritual has eased the transition for Scott more than the help and support of his teammates.
"The older guys on the team have really shown [the freshmen] how to succeed," Scott said. "This is the tightest team I have ever been on."
A team so close, whether one member is vertically challenged or vertically blessed, there is no doubt everyone is looked up to.
Archived article by Kyle Sheahen
Sun Assistant Sports Editor
When I'm President
By November 12, 2004
Much like the rest of you, this election season saw me laugh, cry, and die on the inside. Thanks to all the partisanship of the past four years, our generation's ears have been perked to the honey-soaked words of politicians, apathy is at long last being replaced by pathy. With one wing of our government self-destructing and incompetent, the other has assumed absolute power and the majestic bird of government will now soar in resplendent, tiny circles. And while we the youths of the country try to make sense of the world around us, we are simultaneously filled with a longing to contribute to the political system, much like neighborhood dogs joining together in a late-night barking frenzy, full of earnest passion yet ultimately dumb as rocks. It is a brave, new world which we shall inherit and she will demand the bravest and newest of leaders. This is why I am moved, called in fact, to abandon my native field of psychology and join the revolution that is being born out of the ashes of the Democratic party. But what can I do to bring about change? Why, the only thing a god-fearing American should do, shoot for the top. This is why I am hereby officially and legally announcing my candidacy for the President of the United States of America. Bang! Now, I know this may be a bit early planning for the next election, but keep in mind that our wise fore-fathers saw to it that no citizen could run for president without "five and thirty years of age under his girdle". This pushes my candidacy to the year 2020 and any nay-sayers who thought my bid came too soon, must now see it as nothing less than predestined. My friends, you may wonder what the political landscape will look like in 15 years; well, today the political landscape is that of Nebraska or Death Valley, but in the world of tomorrow I see rolling hills and green meadows, I hear babbling brooks and lobbying forests and surrounding it all, the hope for change, drastic, unpredictable climactic upheaval to stir men's hearts and melt the ice caps of convention. In the spirit of Cornell's teaching, I have worked ahead and prepared my campaign's stump speech in advance, though it not be needed for another decade and a half. So fellow Cornellians, I give you privy access to the voice of the People in the year 2020: "My fellow Americans, and Canadians, I stand before you to ask your support in these times of change and potential. I am not merely one party's candidate, but the candidate of the people, the people and some swing-voting robots. We have been given the opportunity to turn our course about and face the future proudly and we must take this chance to be as one, to unite as Republocrats and oust the fat-cat Robo-Whigs. Naturally, this entails a return to our party's three core principles, strength, values and compassion. First, we must be responsible citizens of the world, and at the same time protect our own interests. Also, we should be responsible citizens of the solar system, probably. We must fully endorse galactization, that economic process which has brought free-trade and the exchange of cultures to all the "peoples" of the Milky Way. Further, as in closer to home, we must seek an end to the persisting Arab-Israeli-Netherlandi conflict which has wracked the Middle East and low-land Europe. Secondly, we must make sure the nation we leave our children and clones will be a decent and upright one. This means that we cannot grant our ape servants the right to vote, that god-given gift to man, despite rumors that they have developed speech. I am positive this will not backfire and is necessary to preserve our nation's character. Finally, we must exercise compassion towards those scientologist fundamentalists who threaten our nation's freedom. That or blast them back into the Stone Age. I haven't really made up my mind, was gonna kinda go with the polls on that one. Y'know, let ya'll decide, I mean this is a democracy right? Oh yeah… that military coup sorta slipped my mind. Well then, how do we work things now? Is it like a –dibs! I call dibs on the Presidency!! And my first decree is that you get your ass down to the skits-o-phrenics' sketch comedy show this weekend, Friday and Saturday, 8 and 10pm at Risley Theatre on North Campus (www.skitsophrenics.com)." Archived article by Bil KenkelSun Contributor
New Inn May Not Affect Hotel Room Availability
By Julie Geng November 11, 2004
In a city where there are more than 10 hotels within a three-mile radius, the controversy over the Remington Inn, the proposed hotel to be built on Cayuga Lake, has led to questions of whether the extra rooms and amenities are necessary. The lakefront property that Remington may be built on has allowed students to use the lake for academics and athletics in the past. Opponents argue that Remington would make the lake inaccessible to students.