Amid the taunts and jeers of the boisterous MIT crowd, Pankau maintained his even demeanor, playing at his most relaxed in the pivotal fourth game. His silent resilience coaxed his teammates to prevail in a five-game struggle that preserved Harvard's perfect league record.

Harvard is now 5-1 overall and 3-0 in the EIVA, due in large part to Pankau. But aside from his influence on the success of this year's team, perhaps Pankau's most important contribution is to the continued success of the men's volleyball program. By helping to bring in Coach Wilson and by improving the recruiting relations with the Harvard Office of Admissions and Financial Aid, Pankau has secured a brighter future for Harvard Volleyball.

This year, as a testament to his pioneering work, Harvard was able to attract two sensational recruits--Mike Bookman from Toronto, Ont., and Alex Kowell from Pacific Palisades, Calif. Bookman, now the starting setter, remembers Pankau's influence during his recruiting visit last year.

"I was impressed not only by his work ethic and skill, but also by his amiability and class," Bookman said, "Ed is definitely one of the major reasons I chose to play volleyball at Harvard."

By attracting quality players like Bookman and Kowell, Pankau has undoubtedly solidified Harvard's presence in the EIVA. In fact, Pankau grins knowingly as he observes that this is Harvard's best team since he's been here. It is, without question, a team that Ed Pankau has built with his grit, determination and leadership.

As to the future, Pankau is surprisingly uncertain. With his degree in electrical engineering, he hopes to find a job that combines sports with the Internet or technology. He plans to play volleyball when he can, but he knows the excitement of collegiate volleyball will be hard to duplicate later on in life.

With a wistful glance out his window, Pankau commented on the totality of his life here at Harvard:

"I think playing Harvard volleyball has been perhaps the greatest experience of my life. I have formed some extremely close bonds with some amazing guys. I am going to miss volleyball--the road trips, the matches, the competition--but most of all, I'm going to miss my teammates."