11

SPORTS

The Norwich Guidon
Jan. 29, 2004

Men's basketball uses holiday break to prepare for season

By Dave Armeson
Norwich Guidon Staff Writer

The Norwich University campus is a very desolate place over winter break. It is cold, quiet, and empty, – except for the men's basketball team, that is.

The Norwich University men's basketball team returned to Northfield on Dec. 28 to resume practice, giving them time to work out any kinks and be ready for the second semester season.

"It helped our team chemistry a lot. You get to know everybody really well when you hang out with the team all the time; it makes for a fun atmosphere," said Andrew Miller, 22, a senior environmental science major from Ft. Collins, Colo.

The two-week period is used solely for preparation in light of the remaining majority of the season. The Cadets practiced double sessions every day for the first week to help get back into the rhythm after a two-week break, which allowed them to be ready for their first game back on Jan. 4.

Common skills, such as shooting and dribbling, were drilled to be sure their minds were set back on the game.

"Some people think it is hard to come back early, but I love it, because it is just us, here, and all we do is sleep and play basketball; it's the best time ever," said Geoff Hensley, 19, a sophomore international studies major from Cincinnati, OH. "It's like actually living the life of a professional basketball player."

While coming back strong and ready to play, the Cadets had an unfortunate surprise when they returned for practice in December, learning that they lost teammates for various reasons.

"We lost three players: one left because of financial reasons; one left because he transferred out; and one left to work on academics. It is hard losing three guys, because they are an important part of the team. Everyone had to step up their game and be ready to go," said I.K. Oronsaye, 20, a junior computer information systems major from Baldwin, N.Y.

The Cadets play in the Greater North Atlantic Conference (GNAC), one of the better conferences in the New England area, and are on track to finish well. The 6-4 team is 2-1 in the conference and has been steadily improving with tough games ahead.

"We are on the right path to getting a conference championship; we just have to play like we can and bring home the wins," Hensley said.

Standing in the way of a championship are nationally recognized teams like Johnson and Wales, Western New England and Southern Vermont. The Cadets have momentum coming off big wins over Wales and Emerson, and are going into games with Suffolk, Albertus Magnus and Rivier strong and ready to play.

"I hope we will continue with the momentum we have now. If we continue to work hard and keep basketball on our minds, we should do fine," said Rene Cheatham, 18, a freshman accounting major from Cincinnati, Ohio.

The Norwich Guidon is a twice-monthly student newspaper distributed at Norwich University. It provides laboratory experience for students in the Communications program. Claims asserted by letter writers, editorials and other articles do not represent the positions of Norwich University. The Norwich Guidon welcomes signed letters to the editor. They should be no longer than 300 words. Unsigned letters will not be printed, but names may be withheld upon worthy request. All letters are subject to editing for length and good taste. Mailing address: The Norwich Guidon, Communications Center, Norwich University, Northfield, VT 056632. www.norwich.edu/guidon. If you have any questions or comments about the paper, please contact Professor Ken Bush at kbush@norwich.edu.