Making His Contribution

Scott Barringer has got success written all over him.

A two-year regular on the ice at Bright Center, Barringer is headed for Wall Street in August when he will embark on a two-year journey through Goldman Sachs credit analyst program.

During his freshman year, Barringer made the varsity squad, but had only a slight taste of playing time. His appetite had been whetted in his few appearances in the big time.

"This was a very trying period for me athletically," Barringer says. "It was ironic because I really thought I wouldn't even make the roster. But after I did I wanted to play, and it was frustrating."

He had set his sights on playing during his sophomore year, putting in long hours in the weight room and on the ice during the summer. He came back to Cambridge in excellent shape. He was ready to make his move for a regular spot on the varsity squad.

Things do not always work out as we plan, however. On his first night back on campus, Barringer went out drinking with some friends and ended up in a lot of trouble. Deemed unfit to represent the University, he was placed on probation for a year. He would not step on the ice for Harvard during the 1989-90 season.

And he would not share in Harvard's first-ever national title. Barringer has an exceptionally healthy attitude about the experience, however.

"There is not an aspect of my experience here at Harvard that I have regretted," Barringer says. "In one sense I would have liked to be a part of that national championship team, but at the same time that experience taught me an awful lot about myself and what's important to me."

He cites the support of his roommates and his freshman advisor Robin Worth as the two things which got him through that year.

"My roommates helped me re-establish my confidence in myself that I was questioning," Barringer says. "And Robin took me on as her chore. She is my hero."

Barringer was a fringe player during his first year and did not lace up his blades during Harvard's national championship campaign. Nevertheless, he was determined to make the team in his third year.

Having never backed down from a challenge, be it academic or athletic, Barringer made the team and was a major contributor during his junior and senior years.

"I Barringer is realistic about his hockey career. He is grateful that he had the opportunity to wear a Harvard uniform and does not even know his statistics.

"I don't care how many points I score," Barringer says. "I don't care if I score 50 points or six points, and I really mean that. As long as I and my teammates know I am contributing, I am satisfied. I am not headed for the NHL. I have never been a star."

Other may beg to differ.