Listen Here
By: Olivia Wile
Twitter: o_wile
Email: wileo@findlay.edu
It is officially basketball season at the University of Findlay. After a successful season last year, there has been a lot of anticipation for the Men’s Basketball Team to take the court again.
After winning an exciting scrimmage against the Toledo Rockets, the Oilers kick off their regular schedule a week earlier this year with both depth and strong leadership.
“The biggest difference is that we open our season on Nov. 3, a week earlier than usual,” Head Coach Charlie Ernst said. “We were invited to play in a prestigious event in Evansville, In.”
Ernst explains that each year, the NCAA chooses eight of the best Division II teams in the country to play in the “Hall of Fame Classic.” However, despite being invited to play in the tournament, the team was not allowed to begin practicing any sooner.
Ernst says that the leadership of this year’s senior class will help the team during this tournament and throughout the season.
“We have a great senior class,” Ernst said. “They’re all natural leaders, they lead in their own way.”
Among the seniors this year is Martyce Kimbrough. The Guard from Lima, Oh. is eager for the season to begin as well.
“We had less than two weeks of actual practices,” Kimbrough said. “We have a tough non-conference schedule and everyone is excited to get it going after a big year last year.”
In regards to the new set of players this year, Coach Ernst says they will add to the team right away.
“Well, as a head coach you’re mindful of two things, you need a few guys who can contribute right away and we have that. [But] you need all to develop and continue to get better.”
Kimbrough is also excited about the new talent and the depth of the team as a whole. “I think this is probably one of the deepest teams we’ve had in years.” Kimbrough said. “From the first guy to the last guy, everyone’s important.”
Despite their accomplishments from last year, Coach Ernst says that the team hasn’t been focused on the past, or even the future.
“To be honest, we don’t really talk about long-term goals,” Ernst stated. Instead he says the team focuses on the present. “[We try] to put our best foot forward in every game and get better throughout the season, it’s simply that.”
Kimbrough discusses both the team goals and his own goals for the season. “As long as we practice and put in work everyday, our goals will take care of themselves,” Kimbrough said.
“I want to help us achieve our team goals and do whatever to help us be successful as well. If you can lead well and work hard, that’s the legacy you leave,” he concludes.
For a complete schedule check out http://athletics.findlay.edu/sports/mbkb/2017-18/schedule
