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Show The Daily Utah Chronicle, Thursday, January 16, 19S6 Page Seven It's fair to say Utah's Durtschi is 'good' and 'bad' He's erratic, but also's a leader for the Utes title-contendi- ng by Mike Prater Assistant sports editor If Jeff Durtschi's personality was an accurate indicator for his skiing accomplishments, it would be senseless to run the giant slalom at the NCAA championships in Vermont this March. Based on his past, and erratic, behavior on and off the slopes, the Utah junior would easily seize the first-platrophy. But, of course, Durtschi is a human being and their personalities are as unpredictable and changeable as Utah's zany winter weather. Cases in point: While attending high school in Portland Durtschi's grade-poiaverage was "fai below a 3.0. I goofed off too much," he ce nt claims. Bad. Now at Utah majoring in business, Durtschi sports a solid 3.8 GPA. "Skiing is a great complement to my schooling." Good. As a freshman during the 1984 season, Durtschi and his teammates nabbed Utah's second straight NCAA title. Good. Last year, the Utes collided with a batch of terrible luck and a gutsy team from Wyoming. So much for a third straight title. Bad. Also as a freshman, Durtschi recorded the fastest slalom time at the NCAA finals. He was disqualified, though, for missing a gate by inches. Bad. SPORTSCAN ...the Ute men's tennis team opens its 1986 season with three dual meets this weekend at the Canyon Racquet Club. Utah plays host to California Friday beginning at 7 p.m., challenges USC Saturday at 7 p.m. and rounds out a busy weekend by facing New Mexico Sunday at 1 p.m. Cost per meet is $5 for adults and $2 for students. A pass for all three games is $10. top-rank- ed ...the men's and women's swimming teams will both be in action this weekend, facing their counterparts from New Mexico and New Mexico State. The men will challenge New Mexico in a dual meet Friday at 6 p.m., and then play host to New Mexico State Saturday at 2 p.m. The Ute women, meanwhile, challenge the New Mexico women Friday at 3 p.m. and New Mexico State Saturday at 2 p.m. All of the meets will be held in the Ute Mexico State Natatorium. The Utah-Ne- w a combined men's matchup is, obviously, and women's meet. Last year, Durtschi was in prime form as he finally collected a medallion of his own an NCAA slalom title. Good That leaves only the intimidating giant slalom remaining to be conquered. Good luck, Jeff. The giant slalom has been a rotten apple in Durtschi's game plan for some time. Last year, he placed 10th in the NCAA finals an impressive feat considering his background in the discipline. "Jeff has had problems with the GS," said Utah ski coach Pat Miller. "It's always been an inconsistent part of his performance." But matters, and final GS results, are suiting to glimmer for the who, because of his age, is completing his final year of eligibility at Utah. Durtschi won the GS during the initial meet of the season in California two weeks ago. Last week in Montana, he was third. Good. Ironically, at the same time his GS skills have improved, his slalom results have slacked off. Durtschi placed fourth in California and he fell during his second run in Montana. ld, Bad. "It would really fit my personality if I finally won the giant slalom," Durtschi boasted. "I seem to be adjustable. Maybe I've made a mental decision that GS is where I can find my niche this year." Miller and Durtschi are hard pressed when talking about the sudden improvement. However, both agree a new addition to the team has aided the progress. ...the university ice hockey club is in action this weekend for its first home contests since early November. The U. club will be on the ice Friday at 9:45 p.m. against the University of Arizona's Icecats, and return to face the same team Saturday at 12:45 p.m. Both of this weekend's matches will be played at the Cottonwood Heights Arena, 7500 So., 2700 East. Cost is $3 for general admission, $2 for students and $1 for children 14 and under. ...U. squash enthusiasts can see the legendary Gul Khan in an exhibition matchup with Utah state champion Dave Richards Monday at the Deseret Gym, 161 North Main Street, at 6:30 p.m. Khan, ranked No. 21 in North America, will follow his matches with Richards with an exhibition game against his brother, Gulmast Khan, ranked No. 45. Interested U. students can contact the 1. Tickets will be Khan Shop at an with $12.50 for students activity card. o f t HMtrV, 1 Athletic Dept. Utah's Jeff Durtschi swishes down the hill in action last year. The Ute junior is expected to be crucial to ski team hopes in 1986. The ski team's next competition is at the WSC Ski Meet, Jan. 5 in Colorado. 'Our new coach, Tom Cannon, has The Utes have started slow (second and a technical advice lot of to in their first two meets) and as one of third Utah," brought 24-2- said Durtschi, who entered his first race at the age of 8. "He's been real beneficial. Plus, I'm not afraid to shift and focus on something new." There goes that changing personality again. Miller believes the change has been a radical one. "He's really turned around in the GS. Jeff is definitely one of the top GS skiers in the region," said the coach. "Maybe it's the new coaching with Tom. That's the only reason I have to go on." While Durtschi is aiming for a giant-slalo- m title, his main goal is for the team to return to national domination. the few upperclassmen on the team, it's his job to help motivate his peers. "My main goal is to have a team victory, but at the same time, I have focused on winning the GS," said Durtschi. "At the start of the season, not many people would believe that I could win a GS title. "I try to be happy with my skiing, but I'm never satisfied with it," said Durtschi. Bad. "But I know that I can only stop myself. I'm confident," he said. "I personally know that." At least he has the right personality. Good. i?iii?iririri?iritiiiririciririririciriririciririric I The Pic Tops Off Every Pizza With Live Music 359-391- 3 New oral antibiotic "OFLOXACIN" for the treatment of skin infections. Cuts abrasions Ulcerations Join us every evening for great music along with our terrific pizza, zappi, salads, and more! 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