Cochran Named Top Rookie

Peter Cochran, a three-time high school All-American, can now add Ivy League Rookie of the Year to his list of soccer accomplishments.

The freshman from Lake Oswego, Oregon, was given the honor this week by a vote of Ivy League coaches. Cochran, who tallied one goal and two assists in his first season for Harvard, was also a second-team All-Ivy selection at midfield.

"You normally don't expect a freshman to come in and make a large contribution right away," Harvard Coach Mike Getman said. "Peter proved not only that he could start, but that he could be a dominant player on the team."

Three other Crimson players received All-Ivy recognition for their efforts this season. Junior sweeper Nick Gates was named to the first team, leading scorer Derek Mills was named to the second team and standout sophomore midfielder Jeremy. Amen was given honorable mention.

These players were the highlights in an otherwise disappointing season for Harvard. The Crimson (7-8-0 overall, 4-3 Ivy) suffered six one-goal defeats and finished fourth place in the Ivies.

Although Cochran was generally pleased with his own play this season, he was upset the Harvard team did not play up to its potential. Adding insult to injury was the fact that he was recruited by the University of California-Santa Clara, UCLA and the University of Virginia--all current contenders for the national championship.

But although Cochran admits that "soccer is a little bit more important than academics" to him, the Massachussetts Hall resident is still satisfied with his decision to come to Cambridge.

"If I had to make the decision all over again, I think I still would come to Harvard," he said.

Key Player

And Cochran must be considered a key element in Harvard's attempt to return to the NCAA tournament after two straight Final Four appearances in 1986 and 1987.

"He's shown potential as a leader, a captain and an All-American," Getman said.

But as far as being captain goes, Cochran will have to wait a while. This year's captain, senior Paul Baverstock, who missed the season with a knee injury, was given the same honor for next year.

Since Baverstock is taking time off in the spring, he will be eligible to play next year. He will be the first two-time men's soccer captain in Harvard history.

Field Hockey

Now here's a surprise--Char Joslin won another athletic award.

The Kirkland House senior was named Ivy League Player of the Year in field hockey by the league's coaches. Joslin was also a unanimous first-team all-Ivy pick at midfield.

In the Crimson's heartbreaking second-place Ivy finish this season, Joslin netted two goals and assisted on three others. She now takes off her cleats and puts on her skates as a co-captain for the women's ice hockey team.

Seniors Lisa Cutone and Erin O'Brien were also named first-team all-Ivy selections this season.