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Post by Glory Days on Sept 2, 2008 19:07:32 GMT -5
UWM Basketball Team Reports MILWAUKEE - The 2008-09 school year officially started Tuesday on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and with it the UWM men's basketball team officially opened preparations for its upcoming season. Teams are allowed to do a combination of conditioning and basketball-related workouts over the next seven weeks before practice can begin over the weekend of Oct. 17-19. Roster NotesThe start of the school year means UWM has finalized its roster for the fall semester. As expected, three players have been added to the roster, and all will be walk-ons this season. Avery Smith makes his return to the Panthers' roster after missing the 2007-08 campaign. Smith was a preseason all-league selection a year ago before being dropped from the roster in early November. Joining Smith as additions to the roster are James Dean of Las Vegas, Nev., and Jerard Ajami of Madison, Wis. Dean comes to Milwaukee after playing this past season at Hargrove Military Academy. He hails from Las Vegas, Nev., where he played basketball at Las Vegas Centennial, averaging 16.5 points per game as a senior. Ajami joins the Panthers after spending the past two seasons at Northern Michigan University. Last season at NMU, Ajami averaged 12.4 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. While a prep star in Madison, he helped Madison Memorial to the 2005 WIAA Division I state title. As a transfer, Ajami will have to sit out the 2008-09 season and then would have two years of eligibility remaining. These three join a group of seven other newcomers for the 2008-09 season. James Eayrs, Tone Boyle and Burleigh Porte each come to Milwaukee from the junior college ranks while Riley Walker, Tony Meier, Ryan Haggerty and Patrick Souter each wrapped up their high school careers earlier this year. Helping With The Move-InUWM men's basketball players continue to make efforts to play an active role on campus and in the community, with the latest efforts involving an appearance during the move-in to Sandburg Hall Friday. Head coach Rob Jeter, staff and players pitched in as new students arrived on campus to move into the dorms. The team's involvement in the opening week of school continues Friday night at Panther Fest, where players and coaches will meet and greet student, faculty, staff and alumni in attendance for the annual kickoff event at the Summerfest grounds. Schedule Close To CompletionThe 2008-09 men's basketball schedule could be wrapped up any day now. The final pieces of the puzzle include a handful of possible date changes and the coordination of at least one possible men's and women's doubleheader at the U.S. Cellular Arena. The latest note to add to details of the schedule that have already been released is the full schedule for the World Vision Classic in Ames, Iowa. UWM will open with Loyola Marymount Friday before facing UC Davis Saturday and the host Cyclones Sunday. Staffing UpdatesRonnie Jones and Chip MacKenzie have switched duties for the 2008-09 season. Jones, who has spent the last three seasons as the director of basketball operations, will take over as the video coordinator. Meanwhile, MacKenzie will become the operations director after three years in the video role. uwmfreak.proboards5.com/index.cgi?board=Games&action=display&thread=4149
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Post by Glory Days on Sept 2, 2008 19:11:11 GMT -5
Collins hitches trailer to VanderMeer August 26, 2008 UIC coach Jimmy Collins laid it on the line: Scott VanderMeer is the man that can open the door for the Flames to get into the NCAA tournament this season. The 7-foot, 265-pound VanderMeer is entering his senior season and his third year on the court for UIC and has been working hard to improve his game. The most pleasant thing VanderMeer has given Collins this summer is a positive attitude and an elevated set of expectations. “When I talk to Scott, I noticed that his confidence level has certainly gone up,” Collins said. “His expectations have risen to points that I didn’t think that he would verbally express. Scott’s not a talkative guy. When he starts talking about winning and going to the NCAA, it’s music to my ears.” With VanderMeer dominating the post with his defense and looking to score more, Collins believes the big man will be the critical component to open up the Flames’ offense. “Scott is the key to what we’re trying to do,” Collins said. “If we can get some more (offensive) productivity from Scott inside, it will get to the point where people have to crash and attack him and that means that Robo (Kreps), Josh (Mayo), Spencer (Stewart), Tori (Boyd) and some of the new guys are going to be able to hit some open shots.” Collins added the VanderMeer is in better condition and ready to take whatever pounding the opposition provides. The coach is happy that VanderMeer is refining his game.” “The one thing I like to see him do more is keep the ball above his head, use his height to his advantage. We want him to be more assertive offensively. Defensively, I’m confident he’s going to continue to (disrupt) and block shots.” VanderMeer is just one part of a Flames squad that has plenty of returning stars and a solid recruiting class. It’s a mix that will provide the Flames with a chance to show off a deep, balanced squad that can challenge for a Horizon League championship. “I’m cautiously optimistic, but we’ve got a great group of young guys,” Collins said. “You don’t want to stamp anything in the cement, because (the new guys) are not proven. We know what their reputations are; We know their potential.” Pressed to name a starting lineup, Collins rattled off six names that are likely to end up in the five starting positions: Junior Spencer Stewart at the point, senior Josh Mayo at the shooting guard, sophomore Tori Boyd at the small forward, junior Jeremy Buttell at the power forward and VanderMeer, of course, in the middle. Collins also believes that sophomore guard Robo Kreps can crack the lineup, but regardless will play important minutes. “Those guys have the experience and that beats luck, hoping and wishing,” Collins said. “But we’ve got some (other) guys that are certainly going to compete for time.” Buttell played with an injured right shoulder last season, but Collins believes that the Texas Tech transfer will be ready to go with renewed vigor. “It was something that bothered him during the season, but he never complained about it and he wanted to play,” Collins said. Collins expects big things from Boyd this season and gushes over his athletic talents: “We expect Tori Boyd to be a person that’s going to show some maturity. He showed signs last year, but he was getting adjusted to Division I basketball.” The Flames’ top scorer, Mayo, will also be vital to the Flames’ success. Mayo exploded for 34 points in last year’s season opener against Bradley and was UIC’s top offensive weapon all year. The Merrillville, Ind. native continues to work to get better. “Josh thinks he can be better,” Collins said. “Every single day, I can count on seeing Josh in the gym. I’m certainly going to allow him to shoot the basketball.” Likely coming off the bench will be junior forward Jovan Ignjatovic, whom Collins says has “improved leaps and bounds,” according to teammates. “I always thought Iggy had the best skill set of any of our post guys with his abilities to pop out and shoot. He just needs to be more aggressive.” The Flames also have a crew of six newcomers that Collins expects to have an impact: Robert Eppinger (6-8 junior forward): “Eppinger could be a beast, a guy who can certainly make life easier for Scott and Jeremy. He has great hands and he’s an aggressive player. That’s a great combination.” Jelani Poston (6-7 freshman forward): “Athletically, we don’t have anyone other than maybe Tori that matches up with Poston. He’s tall and long and extremely athletic.” DeMarkus Isom-Jones (6-5 freshman swingman): “Ice brings toughness and he’s a smart kid as well. When you combine those things, you have a very good basketball player.” Zavion Neely (6-1 freshman guard): “Neely is just a player that a lot of people where people are going to say, ‘Who is this kid?’ ” Collins also added that there some comparisons to Mayo: “He wasn’t a big guy, didn’t win a state title and was overlooked, but we knew he could play. We feel the same way about Neely.” Chris Buchanan (6-3 junior guard): “Buchanan is a good shooter and he wanted to come to UIC. He wanted to be here.” Kris Harris (6-3 junior guard): “I’m really expecting some good things from Kris Harris. He’s aggressive defensively. I hope to have him spell Spencer at times this year.” At the end of last season, Collins’ future beyond the 2008-09 season was in limbo, but the school and Collins hammered out a three-year contract extension last month. “Somebody believes in what we’ve been doing and what we’ve accomplished,” Collins said. “With the contract extension, it gives me a chance to prove them right.” With a load of talent, Collins believes this might the squad that will please the administration even more by bringing home another Horizon League championship and a trip to the NCAA tournament. “This year we feel that we have at least 10 guys that can get out there and be aggressive. We’re really looking to go up-tempo with more pressing and more motion offense. We certainly believe that this team brings that kind of athleticism to the table.” www.uicflamesbasketball.com/UICnews082608.htm
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Post by Class of '83 on Sept 4, 2008 20:12:31 GMT -5
UDM transfer Chase Simon awaits sentencingSeptember 4, 2008 Detroit Mercy basketball transfer Chase Simon, 19, faces sentencing Sept. 26 in Mt. Pleasant for two criminal charges. Simon, a 6-foot-5 guard who left Central Michigan after his freshman season, pleaded guilty Aug. 25 to use of a financial transaction device without consent and illegal use of a financial transaction device. The felony counts could result in jail time and fines. UDM announced Simon's transfer on Wednesday. Athletic director Keri Gaither said she had extensive discussions with Simon and thinks he will put his problems in the past. "If I wasn't 100% convinced that he isn't taking responsibility and had learned from his mistakes, he wouldn't be a Titan," Gaither said. UDM coach Ray McCallum said he believes Simon will be successful on and off the court. "If you talk to the people around him, I think we're getting a good young man," McCallum said. "I think he's a young man that's going to take advantage of this opportunity." Simon, a former standout at Detroit Community, must sit out this season because of NCAA transfer rules. He will have three years of eligibility remaining. Simon averaged 4.1 points in 24 games at CMU. www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080904/SPORTS08/809040443/1048/sports
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Post by Fastbreak on Sept 20, 2008 9:14:52 GMT -5
Former Hoosiers wait while NCAA deliberatesWednesday, September 17, 2008 Xavier will be "extremely aggressive," with an appeal to get former Indiana guard Jordan Crawford eligible immediately rather than have him sit out the 2008-09 season. Xavier coach Sean Miller said he can't get into specifics about the appeal but the Musketeers aren't hiding from the fact that they will be pushing hard to ensure Crawford plays this season. The problem is that the Musketeers can't or are choosing not to file their appeal with the NCAA's Legislative Council Subcommittee for Legislative Relief until they get word of Indiana's punishment. The NCAA committee on infractions, which wouldn't handle this appeal, is still a few weeks away from handing down the penalties on the Indiana infractions case. The hearing in the case was on June 14 in Seattle. Indiana was told to wait until Sept. 26 before responding to a separate charge that the school failed to monitor the men's basketball program. The committee is still working on the report on the violations of impermissible phone calls and the way in which former head coach Kelvin Sampson responded to those charges. Crawford averaged 9.7 points and 3.4 rebounds as a freshman last season for IU. Xavier will try to appeal that Crawford was the last player to leave Indiana after the program was gutted with departures and attrition since the end of last season when Dan Dakich replaced Sampson. New coach Tom Crean, who came from Marquette, has only one returning scholarship player from last season in Kyle Taber. Crawford is practicing with the Musketeers and can do everything with the team save travel or dress for games if he hasn't been ruled on prior to the opening tip. But Crawford isn't alone in this endeavor. UAB coach Mike Davis, ironically a former Indiana coach, said the Blazers are working on a similar appeal for Armon Bassett, who averaged 11.4 points and 3.3 assists as a sophomore for the Hoosiers. "We're waiting to see what happens [at IU]," Davis said. "He's good, a good player for sure." The Musketeers could definitely use Crawford, too. Xavier needs another scoring guard after losing seniors Drew Lavender and Stanley Burrell off last season's team. Brandon McGee, another Indiana transfer, went to Auburn and Eli Holman landed at Detroit. Calls to Auburn's Jeff Lebo and Detroit's Ray McCallum, an assistant at Indiana last season, to see if they will be filing similar appeals on the former Hoosiers weren't returned. But the expectation is that if Crawford and Bassett are going to do it then the other two players likely would, too. Miller did confirm that Xavier is acting by itself on Crawford and not working with the other schools in a joint Indiana transfer appeal. DeAndre Thomas, another Indiana transfer, went to NAIA Robert Morris in Chicago while Jamarcus Ellis hasn't surfaced at another school yet as far as Indiana is concerned. The unknown in this equation is what kind of help these former Hoosiers would receive from Indiana and Crean. If the Hoosiers don't receive a postseason ban then it might be harder to argue that the players had to leave Indiana to further their college careers and have a chance to play in the postseason. The only hard rule on the books is that a player can leave and be eligible right away if a postseason ban at his previous school would cover his remaining years of eligibility. That doesn't apply here because it's highly unlikely Indiana would receive more than one year of a postseason ban and none of the players transferring to a Division I school were seniors. sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=3592832&name=katz_andy
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Post by Fastbreak on Sept 20, 2008 9:31:16 GMT -5
UWM AD Bud Haidet Retires By: Panther Athletics Septemebr 15, 2008 MILWAUKEE, WI - Director of Athletics Bud Haidet has announced his retirement from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The retirement is planned for July 2009. Haidet made the announcement today during a news conference at the Klotsche Center. Since being hired in 1988, Haidet has led UWM to unprecedented athletic and academic heights. He has guided the program from NAIA status back to NCAA Division I competition and then established UWM as a powerhouse in the Horizon League. Along the way, Haidet helped UWM athletics build a national reputation, highlighted by a men's basketball run to the Sweet 16 in 2005. In short, he leaves behind a highly-successful and respected program that looks nothing like the small program he took over some 20 years ago. "As you can imagine, this is a time of mixed emotions," Haidet said. "While I am excited to turn to a new chapter in my life, I am saddened to be leaving a profession I love. Moreso, I am saddened to be leaving a University and administration that gave me the chance to be an athletics director and to be leaving a loyal and highly-skilled staff as well as all of our Panther fans and friends." "Among the many impressive qualities Bud brought to UWM was his steady leadership through the most successful and the most challenging times," Chancellor Carlos E. Santiago said. "He enlisted excellent coaches and support staff who in turn could develop student-athletes to be victorious on the fields of competition, and in the classroom and community. Plus he helped us greatly upgrade UWM athletic facilities with the limited resources available." The consistent accomplishments during Haidet's tenure are remarkable. Thanks to incredible success in a number of sports, the Panthers have won the Horizon League's McCafferty Trophy four times while winning the league's women's all-sports award seven times and the men's award three times. Since the transition to Division I in 1990, UWM teams have won 85 league regular season, tournament and championship titles, while Panther coaches have claimed 67 league coach of the year honors. UWM teams have also excelled on the national stage. Panther squads have made 27 NCAA Tournament appearances, while individual UWM athletes have appeared in the track and field national championships seven times. Haidet has helped improve the athletics facilities at UWM. Highlights include the construction of the Pavilion, which opened in 2006 and houses the department's administrative offices as well as new locker rooms, team rooms, weight room and sports medicine facility. He has also helped guide continued improvements to the Klotsche Center and directed the addition of lights to Engelmann Field. UWM's student-athletes have succeeded in the classroom during Haidet's tenure. Fifteen student-athletes have earned Academic All-America honors while UWM has also consistently been at or near the top of the Horizon League in the number of student-athletes on the league honor roll. Seventy student-athletes were honored by the league this past June, and the current cumulative grade point average of UWM's nearly 280 student-athletes is 3.172. Over Haidet's long tenure, athletics at UWM has moved from NAIA and NCAA Division II to NCAA Division I status, and from independent status to membership in two athletic conferences. He is quick to spread credit for the development of the program, pointing out the strong commitment to athletics by the institution and student association has greatly contributed to the successful growth. Part of that commitment is evident in the expansion of the athletics budget under Haidet, a figure that stood at approximately $750,000 when he was hired and has grown to nearly $10 million. "It has been a great run with incredible growth in our program. We have accomplished a long list of great things and I have so many wonderful memories," Haidet said. "Although I step down leaving some of my dreams and visions for a future administrator - such as our need for an athletic village to meet our facility needs - I leave feeling `Panther Proud!' I am leaving a successful program that clearly has the potential for continued growth." Haidet's influence has gone far beyond the boundaries of the UWM campus. He has been chair of the Horizon League's Executive Council, a member of NCAA Division I Peer Review Certification teams and a member of two NCAA committees. Prior to coming to UWM, Haidet was an athletics administrator at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where he earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees. He was inducted into the Miami Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005. A former captain in the Marine Corps, Haidet's family includes his wife, Beth, stepson, Drew, four children and 13 grandchildren. www.sportsbubbler.com/DisplayTopic.aspx?TopicID=2527
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Post by Fastbreak on Oct 7, 2008 20:57:11 GMT -5
Barkley out until JanuarySenior forward Cordero Barkley will miss the first two months of the regular season because of a wrist injury. Barkley, who last season averaged 3.6 points and 2.7 rebounds per game in a reserve role, is scheduled to have surgery on Wednesday. “He has a tendon problem in his wrist,” Kowalczyk said, “and he cannot shoot.” Kowalczyk said Barkley is expected to be out until January. www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081007/GPG020101/81007089/1229
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Post by Fastbreak on Oct 7, 2008 20:57:56 GMT -5
WSU plays at UWGB Thu., Dec. 4.
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Post by Raider Rowdies on Oct 10, 2008 20:09:49 GMT -5
In the youngsters VU trustsDavid Robb Friday, October 10, 2008 Homer Drew wanted to give his new guys a little baptism by fire Tuesday. Valparaiso's men's basketball coach wanted to put his freshmen on the same squad and have them square off with his vets. The only problem? Drew has more rookies than can fit on one team. So he had to group Iowa State transfer Cory Johnson with true freshmen Erik Buggs, Logan Jones, Cameron Witt and Andrew Ferry and match them up against senior Jake Diebler, sophomores Howard Little, Mike Rogers and Benjamin Fumey and true freshman De'Andre Haskins. If you're heading over to the Athletics-Recreation Center tonight for Valpo Hoops Mania, there will be plenty of new faces to see. Gone are six members of last year's team, which advanced to the semifinals of the Horizon League tournament and quarterfinals of the College Basketball Invitational. Into the mix are six true freshmen and Johnson, a junior. Not including Johnson, who won't be eligible until next season, those six make up half the Crusaders' roster. In other words, several rookies will be asked to contribute right away. "We don't have a choice," said senior guard Brandon McPherson, who is still recovering from offseason knee surgery and won't take part in tonight's festivities. "They have to play." It's little secret the Crusaders' inexperience is the chief reason they were picked to finish seventh in the Horizon League preseason poll that was released Tuesday. Relying on a bunch of youngsters has its hazards. But senior guard Jake Diebler isn't buying the belief that young equals bad. Or even mediocre. "Having a young team, you can kind of (be) a wild card, and I'd like to be that team this year," Diebler said. "I know a lot of people don't expect us to be near the level we were last year, but those same people don't know what this young group of guys, our freshmen and sophomores, are capable of. "Youth doesn't always have to be a hindrance. In my mind, our youth and our aggression can be a strength because we (have) faster and more athletic guys than I think we've had in a long time." That, of course, is by design. For months now, Drew has talked about implementing a more up-tempo offense and aggressive defense, of assembling a quicker, more athletic bunch, of building a team better equipped for the Horizon. This cast of freshmen is the first step towards that goal. They're not big, they're not tall, they're not the least bit imposing -- but they can get up and down the court in a hurry. "Speed's definitely something we have this year," sophomore Howard Little said. And experience is definitely something the Crusaders don't have. Of VU's 12 eligible players, only five -- Little, Rogers, Diebler, McPherson and Urule Igbavboa -- have played at this level. Which is why, for better or worse, this will be the year of the freshman at VU. nwitimes.com/articles/2008/10/10/columnists/david_robb/doc5c18f98b9fcdd3c4862574dd0012cb61.txt
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Post by Fastbreak on Oct 10, 2008 21:35:50 GMT -5
Valpo's going to be a wildcard this year. They are very inexperienced, but they seem to have added some really good athletes to their roster. Homer Drew can coach with the best of them.
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Post by Fastbreak on Oct 11, 2008 8:51:11 GMT -5
Promising hoops season ready to unfold locallyBy Greg Simms Staff Writer Saturday, October 11, 2008 Looks as though this might be a banner year for Division I basketball in the Miami Valley. The University of Dayton, Wright State and, as always, maybe Miami University could make it to the NCAA tournament. I say this because I'm impressed with UD's freshman class, Wright State coach Brad Brownell is so good that he doesn't need a load of talent to win the Horizon League tournament and Miami coach Charlie Coles is always a threat in the Mid-American Conference tourney. Back to UD. The Flyers seem to have too much talent for their hopes to be dashed by an injury to one player, as happened last season. Coach Brian Gregory has four interesting freshmen. Chris Johnson, a 6-foot-5 swingman, averaged 26.2 points for Columbus Brookhaven, shooting 63 percent from the floor. He was named first-team All-Ohio. Paul Williams, a 6-4 shooter from Detroit, was among the four finalists for Mr. Basketball in Michigan. Luke Fabrizius is a 6-9 catch-and-shoot forward and Dunbar's 6-9 Josh Benson is an ESPN top-150 player. As a senior, he was named Division II first team All-Ohio. And, of course, there is Chris Wright, a super sophomore from Trotwood-Madison. At Wright State, Brownell has juniors Vaughn Duggins (6-3) and Todd Brown (6-5), two-time junior college All-American Cory Cooperwood (6-7) and transfer Scott Grote, a 6-6 sophomore from Centerville who had 15 double-figure games at Duquesne. They're all agile and could be ready for the big dance. www.springfieldnewssun.com/s/content/oh/story/sports/college/wsu/2008/10/11/ddn101108spaudible.html
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Post by Raider Alumni on Oct 14, 2008 21:22:45 GMT -5
Cleveland State considers a new name and a new football teamJanet Okoben October 14, 2008 CLEVELAND -- Cleveland State University is considering a name change, perhaps to something like the University of Cleveland. And the urban university is also thinking about adding football for the first time to its list of varsity sports. During today's university convocation, President Michael Schwartz said in his "State of the University" address he wants a blue ribbon panel to give him a recommendation on the football team before July 1 when he is scheduled to retire. He also said the program will have to be structured to pay for itself. Schwartz said adding football is part of a continuing effort to make CSU into a more residential campus by beefing up student life. The recommendation on changing the university's name also is expected before Schwartz retires. He said that ever since he became president seven years ago, people in the community have suggested that he consider changing the name of the university. Schwartz said he brushed aside those suggestions, believing there were more important issues facing CSU. However, in reflecting on the university's progress, he said the time may be right to "tie a ribbon around the old Cleveland State University, set it aside with gratitude for all that it has done and all that it has provided, and to realize that the direction is different, it is new and it is more promising than ever." blog.cleveland.com/metro/2008/10/cleveland_state_university_con.html
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Post by Willie on Oct 14, 2008 21:49:49 GMT -5
Cleveland State considers a new name and a new football teamJanet Okoben October 14, 2008 CLEVELAND -- Cleveland State University is considering a name change, perhaps to something like the University of Cleveland. And the urban university is also thinking about adding football for the first time to its list of varsity sports. During today's university convocation, President Michael Schwartz said in his "State of the University" address he wants a blue ribbon panel to give him a recommendation on the football team before July 1 when he is scheduled to retire. He also said the program will have to be structured to pay for itself. Schwartz said adding football is part of a continuing effort to make CSU into a more residential campus by beefing up student life. The recommendation on changing the university's name also is expected before Schwartz retires. He said that ever since he became president seven years ago, people in the community have suggested that he consider changing the name of the university. Schwartz said he brushed aside those suggestions, believing there were more important issues facing CSU. However, in reflecting on the university's progress, he said the time may be right to "tie a ribbon around the old Cleveland State University, set it aside with gratitude for all that it has done and all that it has provided, and to realize that the direction is different, it is new and it is more promising than ever." blog.cleveland.com/metro/2008/10/cleveland_state_university_con.html They will go bankrupt if they start fielding football.
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Post by theleewmowen on Oct 14, 2008 22:13:25 GMT -5
Cleveland State considers a new name and a new football teamJanet Okoben October 14, 2008 CLEVELAND -- Cleveland State University is considering a name change, perhaps to something like the University of Cleveland. And the urban university is also thinking about adding football for the first time to its list of varsity sports. During today's university convocation, President Michael Schwartz said in his "State of the University" address he wants a blue ribbon panel to give him a recommendation on the football team before July 1 when he is scheduled to retire. He also said the program will have to be structured to pay for itself. Schwartz said adding football is part of a continuing effort to make CSU into a more residential campus by beefing up student life. The recommendation on changing the university's name also is expected before Schwartz retires. He said that ever since he became president seven years ago, people in the community have suggested that he consider changing the name of the university. Schwartz said he brushed aside those suggestions, believing there were more important issues facing CSU. However, in reflecting on the university's progress, he said the time may be right to "tie a ribbon around the old Cleveland State University, set it aside with gratitude for all that it has done and all that it has provided, and to realize that the direction is different, it is new and it is more promising than ever." blog.cleveland.com/metro/2008/10/cleveland_state_university_con.html If the name change did occur, it would be the third in the history. Before the 1960's, it was Fenn College and their mascot was the Foxes.
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Post by Raider Alumni on Oct 16, 2008 20:50:42 GMT -5
Gary Waters and CSU Close to Working Out New DealSubmitted by Julie October 15, 2008 Rumors are swirling around town that Cleveland State University and men's basketball coach Gary Waters are working towards a new contract. Waters is in his third year at the school and had originally signed a five year contract. Waters led the Vikings to their first postseason trip in two decades last year, guiding the school to the NIT and 21 wins a season ago. Sources say official word on a contract is very close. The school has their first official practice on Friday, October 17th so there is probably a good chance that details of the deal could become public by then. The 2008-2009 men's basketball season is easily one the most awaited in the school's history. After years of futility, Waters looks to have turned the program around in a remarkably short amount of time. If the rumored contract does pan out, it would be great news and perhaps a sign that Vikings basketball will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come in the Horizon League. www.clevelandleader.com/node/7325
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Post by Sixth Man on Oct 18, 2008 6:46:47 GMT -5
Men's basketball: Phoenix should get boost from TangBy Rob Demovsky October 18, 2008 Chop Tang knows what it's like to mesh with new players. "Shoot, I've transferred twice," Tang said. "So I've been the new guy every time." This time, after two junior college stops, he's the new guy with the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay — a team that returns 90 percent of its scoring and 85 percent of its rebounding from last year. Getting the 6-foot-6, 220-pound junior to fit in with the Phoenix is perhaps coach Tod Kowalczyk's biggest task of the preseason, which began with Friday's first official practice of the season. Just a few minutes into practice, it became evident how Tang might help the Phoenix. In a one-on-one drill in which the offensive player stayed on the floor until he was stopped, Tang scored twice in a row on 6-9 junior center Randy Berry, who last season was the team's best post defender. First, Tang caught the ball in the high post, dribbled twice to his right and used a quick move to get to the rim and score. Then, he backed down Berry and used a half hook to score over him. It wasn't until the third try that Berry came up with a stop. In preseason drills, Tang and senior forward Mike Schachtner, a preseason second-team all-Horizon League pick, waged highly competitive battles. "Him and Mike going at each other has been really good for both of them because Mike's having a good defender on him all the time," senior guard Ryan Tillema said. "And it's helping Chop out because he can learn from watching Mike." A native of Sudan who moved to the United States in 1994 and attended high school in Mankato, Minn., Tang spent one season at Southeastern (Iowa) Community College and then transferred to Eastern Arizona College, where last season he averaged 15.3 points and 5.5 rebounds for a team that went 30-6. "I've got a good feel for what I can do for this team," Tang said. "I can rebound. I can shoot from outside. I can post up. I can bring defense." Where Tang fits in remains to be seen, but it's clear he will play major minutes. He's perhaps the team's second-best defender behind Terry Evans, the reigning Horizon League defensive player of the year, and might be its best rebounder. He can play either small forward or power forward on offense. On defense, the coaches believe he can guard any spot but the point guard. Another junior college transfer, guard Jesse Childs, also has a chance to play meaningful minutes. Kowalczyk has had success with junior college players like Javier Mendiburu, Brandon Morris and Benito Flores. His best teams at UWGB have featured a mix of high school recruits and junior college transfers. "What we'll probably do quite a bit, especially in the first two or three weeks, is make sure you have the new guys with veteran guys," Kowalczyk said. "For example, Chop was with the (starters on Friday) to speed up his learning process. The more we can speed up his process and Jesse's process, the better we'll be." www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20081018/GPG020101/810180599/1229
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