The Texas A&M University-Commerce athletic department hosted a tip-off luncheon Monday in preparation for the winter and spring sports seasons beginning in the near future.
Women’s basketball star Katedria “Piggy” Moseley gave the invocation before guests were treated to a lunch buffet provided by Sodexho Dining Services.
“I encourage all the student-athletes to keep up their hard work,” Carlton Cooper, director of athletics, said as he offered words of encouragement to the student-athletes who were in attendance at the luncheon.
Track and field head coach Rich Lawrence started his introduction of the men and women’s track and field teams by introducing assistant coach Jason Wicke and assistant coach Brian Stephenson. Lawrence elaborated on the changes on the teams since last spring, including the losses, and the new potential talents. Last spring, Lawrence had about 28 student-athletes, and he described his optimism for having 48 student-athletes next spring.
“Having numbers in track always helps, especially in getting points,” Lawrence said.
Golf coach Dr. Louie Bledsoe started his remarks by recognizing the women’s and men’s golf teams and the accomplishments they had during their fall season, and also the hopes for the upcoming spring season.
“The women are ranked 11th in the West region, of which there are nearly 40 teams ranked,” Bledsoe said.
While introducing Women’s Basketball Head Coach Denny Downing, Jesse Logan, who coordinates marketing and promotion efforts in the department, gave a brief synopsis of the 2006-07 women’s basketball season, including the various conference and regional honors the team achieved, and also the 40 new school records set during the season.
Downing began by thanking assistant coach LaToya Howell, and her impact on the team, then proceeded to list the returning players, as well as new freshman and transfer players.
As well as being nationally ranked in a few preseason polls, Downing pointed out the team will face two teams before Christmas break.
“We have to play No. 4 West Texas A&M and No. 6 Washburn before the Christmas break, so that will be a test,” Downing said.
Men’s basketball head coach Sam Walker started off by reflecting on a recent moment with one of his children, when they helped him realize that throughout the wins and losses, family is always there for support.
Walker recognized the four seniors on the team – Champ Sylvester, Leonard Jackson, Len Bishop, Kevin Widemond – and thanked them for their leadership to the others on the team.
“The attitude in practice … we have the opportunity to have a special year,” Walker said when he spoke about his hopes for the upcoming season.
Both basketball teams begin the first part of their season when they open at home on Nov. 20. The women tip-off at 6 p.m., while the men begin at 8 p.m.