Athletes try not to get too jolly during break

Both the Bobcat and Lady Bobcat basketball teams’ are on fire right now. With six games under both teams belts for the 2006-2007 season they are both currently undefeated.
The games thus far have all been non-conference, but the most intense part of the season begins almost immediately after Christmas holidays. The Bobcats and the Lady Bobcats will have a two-week break for the upcoming holidays before returning to play on Dec. 29.
The players are expected to rest during their break, but both team’s coaches also expect them to come back to the court prepared to win.
“You hope the players have enough pride in their condition to come back in condition,” said John Carrick, head coach of the women’s basketball team.
Carrick does not require the players to follow any specific work-out routine over the break, he does tell them to keep a basketball in their hands whenever possible. However, there is  a penalty for eating too much ham and biscuits back at home.
“The kids that are borderline over weight, we weigh them before the break and we weigh them when they return. They have a penalty of  running a mile for every pound gained,” Carrick said.
A little more is expected out of the men’s basketball team over the holidays. Losing six starting players from last season, the Bobcats are adjusting to a lot of new players.
“Some years we do require the team to keep up with a work out over the holidays,” said Terry Sellers, head coach of the men’s basketball team. “This year we probably will. The players need to take care of themselves and get some rest but they need to work out also.”
Both teams have set a lot of goals for the season and are committed to achieving them. The Bobcats are working on increasing their skills out on the court.
“This team hasn’t been a team for very long,” Sellers said. “We aren’t setting goals on how many games we can win, we are trying to focus on performance, like not having as many turnovers in the game and other performance based goals.”
The Lady Bobcats have set a few more goals that they hope to accomplish.
“As a team, we want to win all home games, make a team GPA of 3.0 or better,” said Lindsey Smith, a junior in her third year on the team as point guard. “Also, we want to win regular season, win conference tournament and make it to nationals.”
Only time will tell whether the players will heed the advice of their coaches and not only get the rest they need this Christmas break but also keep a basketball in their hands and come back prepared to take on the competition. Smith does not see a need to be too concerned. She is confident in herself and her team as well. She credits the hard work they put in on the courts everyday to keeping them on top.
“Honestly, I may play a pick up game or two, but over the break, I actually break,” Smith said. “Plus, I know when we get back Coach Carrick will get us into basketball condition quickly.”

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Dec 1 2006. Filed under Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry