An abundance of sports are on tap winter months
By Dominique Squires , Contributing Writer
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Indoor sports fans let’s get ready to rumble! Whether it’s a game of basketball or an indoor track meet, Marauder athletes are in action.
Men’s Basketball
The 2005-2006 men’s basketball season will unfold this year with three returning players and several new faces. Coach Doug Lewis and the Marauders anticipate a victory-filled season.
“It feels like a whole different team,” returning guard Shawn Teague said. “We’re just figuring out what everybody can do.” The team conditioned from early August through mid-October and spent time bonding in open gym practices, running plays and shooting around. “Playing in a real game is totally different than playing in open gym,” Teague said. “As far as a real game is concerned, we’re just learning how everyone will react.”
Thus far, the Marauders have played two games — the first, a win against the Dayton All-Stars, the other, a loss against the University of Dayton. “I feel like we are starting to gel a little better after each game,” Teague said.
The Marauders will play 11 home games and 15 road games this year.
Women’s Basketball
This year’s lady hoop squad consists of three returning players and plenty of new faces, as well. Returning players include sophomore guards Knetra Nelson and Taya Kidd, and senior forward Sherrie Griffin.
“We have about 11 new players and we have good chemistry. That will show when we play,” Kidd said
The Lady Marauders spent 2 months in conditioning. The team often practices twice each day, at 5 a.m. and again at 4 p.m. Team members also work out individually outside of the regular practice schedule.
“We need to really support the (women’s basketball) team because we have a competitive schedule,” said former Lady Marauder basketball guard Tamaka Clay. “We’re expecting a great season.”
The team is optimistic about this season’s outcome. “Our goal is to go undefeated,” Kidd said. That will be a real challenge, since the team plays several larger, Division I universities.
The team’s first game is Nov. 15, 2005, in Maryland against Bowie State University. The home opener is Nov. 18, 2005, at the Theresa Check Basketball Classic. The Classic is a four team tournament renamed in honor of Central State Athletic Director and hall of fame basketball coach, Theresa Check. Check had turned down the honor for several years but finally relented this year.
The Lady Marauders will play 11 home games and 14 road games this year.
Men and Women’s Indoor Track and Field
The men and women’s indoor track and field season kicks-off with the Oiler Open Dec. 3, 2005, at Findlay University. “We always have high expectations for our upcoming seasons,” Head Coach Jahan Culbreath said.
There are a lot of new faces on the team this year, including a number of freshmen and transfer students. Until the season officially starts, you may see some of them conditioning in Walker Gymnasium. Returning senior Sunaé Stamper is eager to improve her performance in the 200 and 400 meter-relays and contribute to the team.
Like the other CSU athletic teams, the track squad is in transition, moving from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) to the NCAA Division II. The team adheres to all NCAA rules and regulations.
Unlike most CSU athletes, track athletes compete year round. There’s a cross-country season in the fall, an indoor track season in the winter and an outdoor track season in the spring.
Outside their daily practice schedule, team members devote time to the community. Members participated in a Breast Cancer Walk and raised more than $600 for breast cancer research. In the fall, the track team often visits neighboring elementary schools and read stories to young children.
CSU’s Cheer Squad
Just as the athletic squads have been preparing for the winter sports season, so too has the CSU Marauder Cheer Team.
The squad began practicing in early August with cheer camp and intense conditioning. After the camp, Marauder cheerleaders began training Mondays and Fridays with a trip on Wednesdays to Premier Gymnasium in Beavercreek, Ohio, to perfect their performance material.
Cheer team members are expected to master tumbling, stunting, mounting, cheering, chanting, and dancing. Cheer and Dance Director Sylvia Kelly expects members to give 110 percent each performance.
CSU cheerleader Shante Alsup says cheerleading is a tough, demanding sideline sport.
The cheerleaders officially opened basketball season against the University of Dayton Flyers. The team will perform at home at the Theresa Check Classic Nov. 18 – 19.
Intramural Sports
The athletic department also offers a full slate of intramural sports open to all students. These activities build leadership and teamwork skills, keep students healthy and are lots of fun. Contact Coach John Krueger at 376-6307 for more information.
The following intramural sports are offered throughout the year: Flag football, yoga, play station, basketball, ping-pong, karate, softball, volleyball, bowling, billiards, open swimming, golf, miniature golf, and racquetball.
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