Monday, November 23, 2009

Monday, November 16, 2009

Looking At the Susquehanna Victory

I was very proud of our guys’ team effort yesterday vs Susquehanna University on the defensive end. The starters (DJ, Dom, Jake, J.Brake, and Segar) came out and set the tone on the defensive end for our team from the tip – off with energy and effort. We played hard, smart, and together which on the defensive side you usually don’t see those three elements together on a consistent basis this early in the season. Our guys have been working hard in practice – yes we still have many areas to improve in but this was a good beginning.
We (the staff –Alvin Green, Tim Meyers and I) have been reminding our guys that we have to collectively “get the job done” - it will not be one specific player who will single-handedly win the game for us. For example, rebounding we were + 15 and we had 5 or more players with 4 or more rebounds and defensively we were able to create 17 turnovers. Offensively we were able to get some points off of our defense, we executed our sets, and we were able to knock down a few shots. We still have guys adjusting to new roles which are different from their roles fo the past. As each of our guys get more comfortable and confident in not only in their own ability but trust in their teammates then we should continue to make the strides that we need to make toward February.
We had several guys in street clothes because of injuries against SU and we hope to have them all in uniform very soon.
Yes, it was my birthday on Sunday and the team gave me a very good B-day present – thank you. My family was missing from the game as my daughter had a cheerleading exhibition down at Broadway H.S. at the same time as our game. My wife was texting folks at the game to keep tabs on our score.
This Saturday (11/21) we host the Don Glick Classic. At 6 pm it's EMU vs Averett and at 8 pm BC hosts Wesley College. On Sunday (11/22) at 2 pm it’s EMU vs Wesley and at 4 pm BC vs Averett. This field consists of two teams (Wesley and Averett) which went to the NCAA tourney last season and both teams bring some very talented players to Nininger Hall. It should be an exciting weekend if you are a college basketball fan and we look forward to having a GREAT crowd on both days. The games are FREE if you bring a canned good to the game. So, if you have five family members please bring five cans of food. These donations will be delivered to the local food bank that serves the Bridgewater/Rockingham County area of families in need during the Thanksgiving Holiday. Help us fill up the shopping cart which will be in the lobby of Nininger Hall on Saturday and Sunday.
Lastly, I would like to thank the alumni players who came out and played in the fall alumni game vs BC on (Nov.7th)- Jay Strotman, Rob Rice, Josh Fox, Drew Cathlin, Michael Jenkins, Michael Oblitey, Matt Drewer and Brett Maynard. This is something we would like to have every fall so the BC fans can get another chance to cheer on former BC players. Also, a reminder we will have an alumni game in the spring semester on Feb. 20th (Senior Day) at 11 am – noon. The teams will be Even Years vs Odd Years. At noon you will have lunch amd at 2 pm and we invite you and your families to come and cheer on YOUR BC Eagles vs Lynchburg College. The alumni game will be fun and a chance to have players and families reminisce of their days on campus. Please contact the basketball office if you are interested in participating. You can play as few minutes as you want or as many as you want. Yes, we will have time outs every 4 minutes, plenty of water, and trainers available for ice afterwards.
Thank you to those who came out this past Sunday to support us. Look forward to seeing you all this weekend!

Friday, November 6, 2009

Eagles Will Scrimmage Against Alumi on Saturday

First, I would like to wish both the women’s Volleyball team good luck in the ODAC tourney this weekend and our football team good luck on Saturday vs. Randolph-Macon.

We had a very busy last few weeks not just on the basketball court but also in the community. First, we were a part of the “Red Ribbon Week” at John Wayland Elementary School. We spoke to the students about making good decisions and saying “NO” to drugs and alcohol. Also, we had Mrs. Joyce Floyd’s (Justin Brake’s Grandma) special needs class from R.E. LEE High School visit our beautiful campus and shoot hoops with the team in Nininger Hall. Both of these events were wonderful experiences for each party involved. My student–athletes were able to see what a positive impact they have on kids of all ages. Also, it reemphasizes to our student-athletes what our staff tries to teach them every day in practice that you are setting an example every day in all you do - that’s for on the court and off the court.

I had the pleasure to speak at the Coaches vs Cancer Tip off Breakfast at Ham’s Restaurant where the proceeds went to the American Cancer Society for the fight against cancer. That same evening I was invited along with Coach Willi to the Shenandoah Valley Athletic Club meeting to speak about our upcoming season along with the men’s and women’s basketball coaches from JMU and EMU. This particular dinner it was a special occasion. My wife (Stephanie) and my dad attended this dinner and it was the first time that both of them heard me speak at the event. It is great to have over 100 people gather who are just passionate and supportive about athletics in the Shenandoah Valley as a whole. No matter what team you may root for – they all have a sincere interest in all sports in the “Valley”. If you have not been to one of the monthly gatherings you should attend.

Our guys have been working hard and trying to get comfortable with learning each other’s tendencies on the court. For example, who likes to post up on the right block instead of the left block, who prefers to shoot off the chest pass or off the down screen – all of these “little things” which can help you win the “close game”. We are getting better each day, some days slower than others, but that is expected with the injuries and guys getting accustomed to new roles or different roles.

Reminder for this Saturday:
The BC football game is at 1 p.m. and, from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. is the women’s basketball team spaghetti dinner AND the men’s basketball scrimmage against a BC alumni team.

The alumini team consists of class of ’09 Rob Rice, Brett Maynard, Matt Drewer; ’08 Andrew Cathlin, Josh Fox, Jay Strotman and ’07 Michael Jenkins .

I want to thank these guys for participating. Come out and enjoy the Saturday festivities.