By Allie Browne

This past weekend, UCSB club cycling competed in the Conference Championships in Hollister and Morgan Hill, with two cyclists qualifying for nationals next week.

The Gauchos have a small A-team, meaning each rider had to qualify individually: third year mathematics major Eric Hartsuyker and fourth year political science major Dan Katz accumulated the required amount of points in races during the past ten weeks.  In the 67-mile race at Hollister, Hartsuyker crossed the finish line with the lead group, but Katz crashed out at mile 27 and was taken to the emergency room to remove rocks from his arm and to be stitched up.  In the hour-long crit race at Morgan Hill, Hartsuyker was exhausted from the previous day’s race, while Katz won the sprint when four riders were up the road, taking fifth place.

Nationals will be held May 6^th-8^th in Madison, Wisconsin.

By Patrick Grochmal 

It’s that time of year again, when beautiful Isla Vista residents take to their front lawns in bikinis and stroll shirtless in the streets; it’s Spring Quarter, people.  And while you may be nursing a bit of a belly from all those nights out and all the days in the library, fear not: help is here.  Whether you’re a seasoned gym rat, or just seeing a treadmill for the first time, here are some general tips get the results you want without wasting time and energy.

DO:  Lift weights

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, you read that right.  For those of you who think weightlifting is only for frat boys who like to stare at themselves, think again.  Weightlifting has many benefits, even for those of us who aren’t looking to bulk up.  Lifting weights speeds up your metabolism; a study at the University of Southern Maine found that lifting burns just as many calories, if not more, than jogging.  And here’s the important point: ladies, don’t be discouraged if your efforts aren’t reflected on the scale, since lifting burns fat, but preserves your muscle.  You’ll see the results in the mirror, which is what really counts, right?  Just make sure you go with someone who is experienced and can teach you how to use the various machines and weights.

DO:  Try new things

Rather than wait half an hour for the treadmill at the MAC every day, why not try out a new machine?  The Rec Cen is a massive facility with many options for those looking for some good cardio, some of which are much more efficient than simply jogging.  For example, swimming in the pool is an excellent workout, and when the sun is out, you can get a nice tan as well.  Another great option is jumping rope, which can burn several times as many calories as jogging.  If plan to stick with the treadmill, try doing interval training.  Start by jogging for a few minutes to warm up, and then do a full sprint for 1-2 minutes before going back to a jog.  Repeating this for about 30 minutes will maximize your cardio and burn calories more efficiently than simply jogging.

DON’T:  Ignore your diet

Another mistake people make is thinking that it’s ok to get that late night Freebirds’ quesorito since you worked out that day.  This way of thinking is self-defeating: you can’t outwork a poor diet.  Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that working out lets you eat whatever you want.  On the contrary, sticking to a workout plan will help you stick to a diet, since both serve as reminders to stay on track.

DON’T:  Give up!

The worst thing you can do is doubt yourself.  A workout isn’t like a spray tan: it’s not meant to be magical.  You have to work at it, and it may be a few weeks before you see any results.  Also, don’t set unreasonable goals; comparing yourself to the guy bench-pressing 300 pounds when you can barely do 150 is not only impossible in the short term, but you will only get discouraged faster.  At the same time, if you feel stuck in a rut, or that your workout isn’t getting you anywhere, feel free to ask for help; one of the trainers at the Rec Cen will be more than happy to help you, and there are plenty of online resources to help you develop an efficient workout.

UCSB club women’s lacrosse has added another item to their impressive résumé this season by finishing third in the Western Women’s Lacrosse League Championship Tournament.  The Gauchos opened tournament play with a convincing 21-14 win against Berkley.  The Gauchos then suffered a heartbreaking 13-12 loss to Santa Clara in the semifinals.  They responded the next day with 15-11 victory over Cal Poly in the third place game.  With the weekend’s impressive performance, the team has earned an at-large bid into the Women’s Collegiate Lacrosse Associates National Championship on the weekend of May 4^th in Scottsdale, Arizona.

By Ben Chodos

            The UCSB Gauchos burst onto the Division I scene in their first year playing at the highest level of men’s collegiate club volleyball. The team finished their impressive season with a 28-7 overall record and the ninth overall national ranking. 

            Team captain Daniel Samarin, a third year Mechanical Engineering major, has been with the team every year of his UCSB career and is excited about the team’s progress during this time.

            “This is ten times better than the last two years when we were not even in Division I,” Samarin said.

            Even though Samarin is pleasantly surprised with the team’s excellent season, he feels that their potential has not fully been tapped.

            “We wanted to win the whole thing,” Samarin said.  “We didn’t get the job done on day three of bracket play [at nationals].”

            The team will only lose one senior next year, giving Samarin a reason to have the highest expectations for the 2012 season.

            “We want to win it all,” he said.

By Allie Browne

 Men’s B-League Outdoor Soccer kicked off the Intramural Sport season this past Tuesday afternoon, ready to put away their umbrellas and enjoy the sunshine of Spring Quarter. 

Sporting a brand-new pair of bright pink cleats, third year Mechanical Engineering major Stephen Potter said that he has played for over a year, just for fun. 

“I used to play when I was younger,” Potter said.  “I ran cross country and track in high school, but my friends and I like to mess around with the ball every now and then.” 

Unfortunately, Potter’s Wolf Pack suffered a tough 2-1 loss to Team Carrillo in their opening game. 

Super Smash Bros leveled up in the standings with a 4-2 victory over Pink Crustaegans and Good Vibrations, while Tiger Knee walked away with an easy win due to an Indy Team forfeit. 

Tiger Blood FC was inspired by another Charlie Sheen slogan and took “winning” to a whole new level with an impressive 8-0 victory over Angry Men. 

Fourth year Bernardo Silva of Tiger Blood FC participates in many other Intramural Soccer leagues, but says Men’s B is just for fun.  “We have a Men’s A team too,” Silva said.  “We’ve played Men’s B three or four times, just for more playing time.” 

Even though they’re used to playing at a higher level, they still don’t walk away with easy wins each week.  When asked how many Men’s B championships he has under his belt, Silva responded, “Not very many. We’ve even lost in PK’s a few times.” 

The mixture of high enthusiasm and moderate speed of play makes for a fun, relaxed environment, but one with a competitive spirit that keeps participants coming back each quarter. 

Outdoor Soccer Schedule

Outdoor Soccer Standings

Many UCSB students enjoy tossing around a Frisbee at the beach, and some have turned that hobby into a competitive sport for an hour each week. Jon Cass, a third-year graduate student in UCSB’s Mathematics PhD program, is also in his third year of playing Intramural Sports. This quarter, Cass leads an Ultimate team, “Little Jon and His Merry Men & Women,” that is currently undefeated in the Coed Advanced league.

“I started playing Intramurals Sports when I first got to UCSB [in 2008],” Cass said. “One of my friends had come to UCSB the previous year and invited me to play on a team. I played with that team for a little while, but then some of the players left town and the team dissolved.”

After that, Cass didn’t have much continuity with one team for a while.

“I spent the next year or so bouncing around between teams and just playing whenever I got the chance,” Cass explained. “Then in the spring of last year, [former graduate student] Ariana Arcenas organized a team out of people who play pickup together when there are no Intramural Sport games going on.”

Arcenas’ team made a run for the championship last year.

“We did well last spring, and only lost in the finals,” Cass said. “[Arcenas] graduated at the end of last year, so I decided to keep the team going into this year.”

Cass talked about how he fits Ultimate into a schedule that includes research in algebra and number theory, with an emphasis on elliptic curves and Stark's conjectures. 

“As a graduate student, my schedule is very loose,” Cass said. “I teach for a few hours a week, and have class for a couple hours a week, but most of my time is spent reading, thinking about, and researching mathematics on my own schedule.

Cass explained that despite certain challenges, participating in Intramural Sports is definitely worth his time.

“It is not difficult to fit intramurals into my schedule, however it is sometimes disruptive if I am in the middle of a marathon grading schedule, or am finally making some headway in my reading,” Cass said. “That [being] said, I find that it is very important to make the time - the intramural games are an opportunity to work hard in a different way and interact with people that I would not see otherwise.  My head is always much clearer after a good game of Ultimate.”

Cass talked about the dynamic players on his team and how they have come to play well together.

“Our team has a vast range of experience levels,” Cass said. “Some people have been playing for over ten years and have competed at high levels, while others have just started this year. We only meet as a team for the games, but I know that many of the players look for opportunities between games to meet up and practice throwing.”

Overall, Little Jon and His Merry Men & Women has proven to be a fun and rewarding team for Cass lead.

“One of the aspects of my team that I am happiest about is our ability to welcome new players, while still maintaining a high level of play,” Cass said.  “I know that when I show up for games, I will get the chance to learn from players who are far better than I am, and also teach some players who are just getting started.”

The team is currently 6-0, with one game left before playoffs.

“I believe that we will remain undefeated through the rest of the games, but that remains to be seen,” Cass said.

The past game on February 25 against “The Plastics,” also undefeated at the time, proved to be a good test for both teams, with Little Jon and His Merry Men & Women prevailing.

“[That] game was very memorable,” Cass explained. “We played in the pouring rain, with no subs [as not everyone showed up because of] the rain.  We had a great game, and I hope we get the opportunity to play against them again in the playoffs.”

WHEN: March 7 – April 1
WHERE: Rec Sports Office

You Continued the Legacy during winter, now Capture the Legacy this spring by signing up for spring Intramural Sports! Take advantage of the quarter with the best weather by joining one of the most popular programs offered by UCSB Recreational Sports!

We offer 18 different sports this spring including softball, basketball, water polo, and indoor/outdoor soccer. There is a sport for everyone and no experience necessary.

Greek? Make sure to sign-up for the Greek Gauntlet on March 7 & 8th!

Sign-up between March 7^th and April 1^st in the Rec Sports Office. Be one of the first 100 students to sign up and receive a free wristband, putting you in the running to get Caught on Campus. If you’re caught, you’ll win a FREE Rec Sports tank. Spots go fast, so sign-up early!

By Lisa Gray

Do you still need to plan your 2011 Spring Break? Do Cabo and Puerto Vallarta sound too overdone and unoriginal? Do you want to learn new skills in a unique outdoor experience? Every year, UCSB Adventure Programs offers spring break opportunities perfect for gauchos who said yes to all the above. Whether you’re partial to snowy wilderness, desert-like hikes, or refreshing rivers, there is something for everyone. This year, for all outdoor enthusiasts who want a more intense experience, Adventure Programs proudly presents the Wilderness First Responder course. Trips are open to everyone, and thanks to Rec Sports and students’ initiatives, students may enjoy reduced rates. Spots are limited, so head to the Rec Cen cashier’s office to sign-up now!

Colorado River Canoe Trip
Saturday, March 19th - Tuesday, March 22nd

What better way to learn canoeing than by paddling up the Colorado River for the weekend? Even if you already feel comfortable in a canoe, experiencing the serenity of traveling through the Black Canyon, lined by breathtakingly high cliffs, is incomparable to your average river canoe trip. In fact, all skill levels are encouraged to join the experienced trip leaders, who are more than willing to teach or perfect canoeing skills. The three day trip begins at Willow Beach and ends at the Arizona Hot Springs campground for some rewarding relaxation. Round trip transportation, canoeing instruction, canoes and canoeing gear, breakfast and dinners while camping, as well as group cooking gear are all included in the registration fee. You must supply your own personal equipment, lunch and road meals. Sign up now to ensure you will experience one of the best and most beautiful ways to spend spring break on the water.

Backpacking in the Grand Canyon
Friday, March 18th - Thursday, March 24th

The beauty of the Grand Canyon has intrigued mankind for hundreds of years. Despite the constant inflow of travelers, the canyon remains a natural wonder worth exploring. One can’t help but be awed from being “three quarters of a mile in the depths of the earth [surrounded by] walls and cliffs that rise to the world above” (as described by John Wesley Powell). Due to permit scarcity and competition, UCSB Adventure Programs is extremely fortunate to have received permission for five consecutive days of hiking and camping through the main corridor of the canyon.

The group will leave Friday morning for the South Rim of the Canyon. The next five days will consist of eight to ten mile hikes, which require participants to be in good physical condition, preferably with previous backpacking experience. Night temperatures are expected to be cold, with the possible chance of snow, so pack warm! The trip home will include a planned camping stop and arrival to campus early Friday evening. Paying for registration includes round-trip transportation, breakfasts and dinners while camping, camping fees, permit fees and group equipment. Due to permit restrictions there are only nine spaces available for participants, so hurry to secure your spot!

Wilderness First Responder Course
Saturday, March 19th - Saturday, March 27th

For those of you who spend all your time outdoors and aren’t already certified Wilderness First Responders, what are you waiting for? You owe it to your friends and yourself to take this definitive medical training course. Being up to date and comfortable with proper wilderness medical aid is a must for all outdoor leaders and frequenters. A successful completion of the 72-hour course will earn you a Wilderness First Responder and CPR certification card from Wilderness Medical Associates valid for 3 years. All CPR course curriculum taught is consistent with current American Heart Association standards at the healthcare provider level. Register soon to insure your safety on all future outdoor excursions!

To register or find more information, please visit http://gauchosplay.com/adventure-programs/spring-break-2011. Several of these trips are offered multiple times in a year. Explore the UCSB Adventure Programs website to see what and when the other trips and courses are offered—there is guaranteed to be a course to meet any Gaucho’s outdoor interests.

By Lisa Gray

Spending time getting to know the natural world around you is more than worthwhile—anyone who has enjoyed rock climbing, kayaking, or hiking will attest to that—but it isn’t always easy to arrange or commit to wilderness excursions. The excuses are endless: You don’t know which trails are best, you aren’t sure what equipment canyoneering requires, you can’t find friends willing to climb with you on the weekends… The list goes on and on.

The Leadership Training Course (LTC) leaves you with no excuses. Proudly provided by UCSB Adventure Program staff (all of which are former LTC members), the course offers guided trips, equipment rentals, hands-on training, and enthusiastic friends to join you on your outdoor adventures. Physics major Jacob Staines tells us how the LTC shaped his freshman year of college and helped him make the most of all the outdoor opportunities around him.

Q: Why did you register for the LTC?
Jacob Staines: I was drawn to UCSB Adventure Programs Leadership Training Course [by the] opportunity to learn. There is so much to do out in the mountains or on the sea, you would be hard pressed to go out there and not learn. I wanted to compliment what experience I had with some professional training, as well as develop new experiences.

Q: Now that you’ve spent nearly six months with your fellow LTC-ers, you must have a lot of great memories. Do you have a favorite?
JS: One of the best parts about LTC is the inevitable development of the LTC family. One of my most profound memories from LTC was on the car ride back from our three-day canoe trip on the Colorado River. This trip took place in November, before any classroom sessions had begun. We had set out, for the most part, as complete strangers. We spent three days on the river, and came back more comfortable with each other than some of us were with our roommates.

Q: The LTC consists of an unbelievable amount of valuable hands-on and classroom instruction. Can you tell us a little about the learning experience?
JS: The learning in LTC comes in three forms.

1.    First, we go out with instructors to experience the wilderness first hand. Here we learned to repel, roll kayaks, cook on a camp stove, and countless other hands-on skills and techniques.

2.    Next we would take these experiences with us into the classroom, where we could break down conflicts and scenarios, discuss options, and learn how to problem solve.

3.    Last, through LTC we are given the freedom to go out and use the AP gear on our own time, to further develop our experience, and to put our classroom discussions to use.

Q: Now that you’ve nearly completely the course, how would you say the LTC has changed your daily life?
JS: What I feel I have developed most drastically is my outlook that the world is out there waiting for me. If I want to spend my Thursday morning rock climbing, all it takes is a desire, some friends who share that desire, and a little planning to make it happen. LTC has helped me to develop all three of these aspects.

Q: It seems you have definitely made a lot of friends and memories. Would you say the LTC has affected your social life as well?
JS: LTC has had a greater role in my social life than any other aspect of college thus far. I have gotten to know everyone in the class on some level, and most have become very close friends. There are people from the UC, the CC, and from the surrounding residence, all of whom I can seek and interact with on my own time. Indeed, some of my closest friends were those who I first met in LTC. I feel that describing LTC as anything less than a family does not do it justice.

Q: The LTC is considered training for future UCSB Adventure Program staff. Are you considering taking that next step?
JS: I am eager to become part of AP Staff, where I will be able to develop my skills even more, develop my friendships even more, and help others to meet the same goals. Oh yeah, and have a hell-of-a-time doing it!

Q: How would you promote adventure for those who are considering adding some excitement to their life?

JS: The occasional adventure every few weeks fits very nicely into college life. If gives me something to look forward to and to seek passion in, and it gives me the chance to balance my studies with mentally and physically healthy activities. It’s a win-win.

Check out the details at www.recreation.ucsb.edu/adventureprograms/staff.aspx or just visit the MAC to talk to current Adventure Programs staff! Take a course that will change the way you take advantage of the outdoors.

By David Russo

The UCSB women’s club volleyball teams played in the Far Westerns tournament in Davis over the weekend, with the Blue team placing 3^rd and the Gold team finishing tied for 9^th out of 45 teams. Blue team lost in the semi-finals to San Jose State.

“We were hoping to finish in the top three,” junior setter Megan Funk said. “It’s one of the biggest tournaments in terms of how rankings are determined.”

Gold team is also happy with their performance.

“It was the first tournament this season we made it to the Gold bracket [instead of Silver or Bronze],” junior outside hitter Lizzie Spencer said.

Last week the teams had an eventful Presidents’ Day weekend, as they traveled to play USC on Saturday before returning home on Sunday for a double header against Long Beach State and Loyola Marymount. The Blue team won all three matches, while the Gold team went 1-2.

Blue team beat USC 3-2 and then swept both Long Beach State and Loyola Marymount 2-0 each.

“We expected to win,” Funk said. “[But] we still have a lot to work on. We have a lot of skill but our meshing needs to be worked on.”

At 5-2 and ranked #21 in the country, Blue team looks to repeat the success they had in 2009 when they won the Division I National Championship and last year when they finished ranked #9.

“We expect our ranking to go up,” Funk said. “We should be a little better than last year [by the end of the season].”

One of the team’s losses came to #4 Arizona at the UCLA Invitational on February 5. The Gauchos finished fifth in the tournament, while Arizona finished in first.

“Arizona has been our rival for the past two years, since we beat them in the National Championship game,” Funk said.

The team has two players who were previously on UCSB’s intercollegiate team: junior libero and captain Jane Hinkle and senior setter Jessica Welch.

“Jessica’s great because we can run a 6-2 [rotation] and always have three hitters,” Funk said.

For Gold team last weekend, it lost to the Trojans 3-0, then lost a close match to the 49ers 2-1 before getting on track for a 2-1 win over the Lions, bringing its record to 2-5.

“We have a lot of individual talent but we need to pull it together,” sophomore middle blocker Tiffanie Schang explained.

Junior outside hitter Christan Schaefer agreed with this assessment.

“We need to build team chemistry,” she said.

One of the team’s losses was a positive display of the team’s potential. At the UCLA invitational, #4 Arizona beat the Gauchos 2-1, but they were the only team to win a game against them, as Arizona swept their other opponents.

Schaefer previously played for Colorado’s intercollegiate team before transferring to UCSB this year. Senior outside hitter Christina Nowak also played for the Gauchos intercollegiate team before switching over to the club team.

“[Sport Clubs] allow for more balance between school and sports,” Schaefer said. “We have games every week and tournaments almost every week, but they’re always on weekends,” Spencer explained.

This weekend, both teams return home for a rematch against USC on March 6. Then the Gauchos have a tournament in Las Vegas March 18-19.

“We’re excited to prove ourselves at the Las Vegas Open and are anticipating to qualify for State Finals,” Schaefer said.

Both teams play in the Southern California Collegiate Volleyball League, and League Championships will take place March 26 in San Diego for the top four teams.

Blue team is hoping to win another league title.

“We’ll definitely finish in the top four,” Funk said.

State Finals will be hosted by UCSB on April 2. Afterwards, Nationals will be held April 7 – 9 in Houston.