Though it may be the fantasy of shiny outfits and slobbery mouth guards, the ‘clang clang!' of each round, or the glossy red gloves that initially draws students to SMC's Boxing for Fitness, once there, many find a surprising path for personal growth—and not just in the biceps.

The teams were huddled up on their respective sides, getting ready for play while the refs were pacing back and forth, eager to get started. It was as if the silence was a prelude to the storm and when the storm hit, it hit hard. With a cry like thunder, the Santa Monica College men's water polo team roared, "SMC ON THREE, ONE! TWO! THREE! S! M! C!" and dove into the pool to take their positions against Los Angeles Valley College.

In their first seven games preceding conference play the Santa Monica College women's soccer team faced tough opponents under harsh circumstances.

It seemed too good to be true, and perhaps it was. This week the Women Tennis team seemed to fly off their high horse with great speed. After the peak of the season with the team winning four of five games, and beating El Camino in an 8-1 triumph, the team lost speed, and finished the week with two punishing loses against Cuesta and Bakersfield.

With three opponents left to close out the Orange Empire Conference competition, the Corsairs raised their record to 4-1 last week as they elevated their game and easily prevailed in the two scheduled matches.

Ranked in the top five of their conference, both men and women of Santa Monica College's swim team battled it off last Friday against Cuesta College.

During the final two games of the Santa Monica College men's basketball 2004-05 schedule, the Corsairs posted two satisfying wins to cap off a program hurt by injuries sidelining several key players for much of the season. Spectators at SMC's win on Wednesday witnessed an exciting game against the taller Bakersfield College Renegades.

The day started off fairly sluggish, due to the chance of rain, but like a strike of gold, the clouds opened up just in time for the beginning matches. Friday's Western Conference Track and Field Mini Meet, at Santa Monica College, was one of many proportions.

The new softball season has yet to begin due to rainouts and the postponement of games. There is an eagerness to begin the season, because of the new presence on the field. Earlier this year, new Athletic Director Rhonda Hyatt hired the current softball Head Coach Tamara Ivie.