The Omnibus

Issue date: 10/7/04 Section: Sports

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With the basketball season just around the corner, the Southwest Baptist University's men's and women's basketball teams are gearing up for competition.

This season marks a fresh start for the SBU men's basketball team with the addition of 12 new players and a new coaching staff.

Head Coach Jeff Guiot comes to SBU after three seasons at Bemidji State University in Bemidji, Minn. where he helped turn a struggling team into a winner. Previous to his time at Bemidji, Guiot coached at Southern Utah University and Neosho County Community College in Chanute, Kan.

Guiot has never had a loosing record. According to SBU Athletic Director Jim Middleton, Guiot will bring needed excitement and competitiveness to the program. "I really think he's going to win here," says Middleton.

Assistant Coach Stan Johnson also comes to SBU from Bemidji, where he first played for Guiot, before becoming his assistant coach. Johnson was recently named SBU Newcomer of the Year.

Only three players have returned from last season, seniors David Martin, Cedric Ousley and Chris Schulze. Twelve new 'Cats have signed on thanks to Guiot's aggressive recruiting this summer.

The 'Cat's schedule begins with exhibition games against the Chile National Team on Nov. 6 and the Dreambuilders on Nov. 9.

The SBU women's basketball team is entering its eleventh season under the leadership of Head Coach Jim Middleton, the winningest coach in the history of SBU women's basketball.

Nine Lady 'Cats have returned to play this season. Four are seniors, all of whom have starting experience or are returning starters. Senior Gwyn Smith was named MIAA rebounding champion last season.

Junior Amber Wheeler is returning after a brilliant season in which she was named MIAA Most Valuable Player. "She's about as competitive a player as we've ever had," Middleton said.

There are five new Lady 'Cats, including four freshmen. Every freshman has played at the state level, and as Middleton observed, "they are used to winning."

Former Lady 'Cat Alicia Mercer, who graduated in 2004, has returned as assistant coach.

According to Middleton, the Lady 'Cats big strength is their depth. They are at least two deep in every position.

The 2004-2005 scheduled is shaping up to be an exciting one, including a trip to Honolulu, Hawaii this December. "One of the biggest challenges will be going on the road so much early in the season," Middleton commented.

The Lady 'Cats' will kickoff the season Nov. 19 when they take on Columbia College in the Chatter's Roundball Classic in Pittsburg, Kan. On Nov. 30 they will face Missouri Baptist in the first home game of the season. Tip-off will be 6 p.m. in the Meyer Wellness and Sports Center on the John Q. Hammons Court..

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