2008 Woodie Awards
Men emerge confident; Women start anew
Basketball Preview
By: By Andrea Paszkiewicz and Patrick Devine
Issue date: 11/16/06 Section: Sports
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There is a popular phrase about starting with a clean slate, but the women's basketball team is taking that to a whole new level.
The Gorloks have a new coach for the second year in a row, and this year there is only one returning player. They are living in square one.
Nevertheless, there is an infectious optimism surrounding new Head Coach Jayme Callahan and her team. Knowing most people don't expect much from the team this season, the players are using that as motivation to prove everyone wrong.
"I want those doubters to come and watch and see how hard these girls work," Callahan said. "They don't have to feel sorry for us. I think we're in a very lucky situation."
That situation includes a team of only nine players, three of whom can't play because they are currently playing in other sports or are injured. It also involves seven preseason games against teams that are ranked in the top 25 of the nation.
The freshness of the team is actually working as a bonding agent between the players, Callahan said.
The good news is the team should be back to full strength by January. Other sports will be over, and injured player Michelle Kenney, a sophomore guard/forward, should be on the mend from her broken arm. The added power will put the Gorloks in great shape for the majority of their conference games.
"Last year, we were second in the conference," Callahan said. "Going from not having anybody back to wanting to stay at that status, that's a challenge for us. These girls are hidden, little secrets that people didn't see or they overlooked, but I think I'm lucky with the girls I got."
Men
After starting last season 1-10, the men's basketball team rattled off 11 wins in the their next 15 games. The Gorloks finished the year with a 12-14 record. The team is looking to capitalize on last year's late-season success.
Experience is something the team is going to rely on throughout the season with the Gorloks' 10 returning players, especially since Christian Basilio graduated and Benny Roberts is out with a knee injury.
The Gorloks have a new coach for the second year in a row, and this year there is only one returning player. They are living in square one.
Nevertheless, there is an infectious optimism surrounding new Head Coach Jayme Callahan and her team. Knowing most people don't expect much from the team this season, the players are using that as motivation to prove everyone wrong.
"I want those doubters to come and watch and see how hard these girls work," Callahan said. "They don't have to feel sorry for us. I think we're in a very lucky situation."
That situation includes a team of only nine players, three of whom can't play because they are currently playing in other sports or are injured. It also involves seven preseason games against teams that are ranked in the top 25 of the nation.
The freshness of the team is actually working as a bonding agent between the players, Callahan said.
The good news is the team should be back to full strength by January. Other sports will be over, and injured player Michelle Kenney, a sophomore guard/forward, should be on the mend from her broken arm. The added power will put the Gorloks in great shape for the majority of their conference games.
"Last year, we were second in the conference," Callahan said. "Going from not having anybody back to wanting to stay at that status, that's a challenge for us. These girls are hidden, little secrets that people didn't see or they overlooked, but I think I'm lucky with the girls I got."
Men
After starting last season 1-10, the men's basketball team rattled off 11 wins in the their next 15 games. The Gorloks finished the year with a 12-14 record. The team is looking to capitalize on last year's late-season success.
Experience is something the team is going to rely on throughout the season with the Gorloks' 10 returning players, especially since Christian Basilio graduated and Benny Roberts is out with a knee injury.
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