Photo by John Aronson
Hollie Steinman, a senior from Pittsfield, Mass., was named to the All-Patriot League Women's Basketball Preseason Team.

Photo by John Aronson
Senior forward Patrick Doctor earned All-CAA honors for two consecutive years. He also led the team in scoring and rebounding.

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Realistic optimism jump-starts AU basketball

BY SHAUNNA BENNETT

The start of basketball season officially arrives Nov. 5 after weeks of practice, kicked off at Midnight Madness, Oct. 19. Both the women's and men's teams are eager to move from prelude to performance. In AU's first game, the men's team faces off against Metro South Basketball. Coaches for both Eagles teams smell victory based on rational assessments of each coach's first season last year, and some positive changes in place this year. That isn't to say triumph will be easy.

Women's basketball
Intensify and focus are the mantras for Shann Hart, head women's coach. The self-described "players' coach" has her eye on "successful postseason play" possible this year-pretty much precluded by Old Dominion for the past 20 years in the NCAA-as the team launches into its first year as a member of the Patriot League.

In addition to the discipline and organization that characterize this year's team, Hart achieves focus through simple, positive messages that inspire and motivate players. Athletes know they will hear a different one each day, each week, and often before each practice.

Other factors that help Hart put last year's injury-plagued 4-23 season behind her is the excitement of "our first recruiting class," which can be "shaped and molded" to her "aggressive and up tempo" style. Five of this year's 13-member team are freshmen.

Hart's confidence stems, too, from last year's statistics-but not the game scores. "The records do not indicate our success," she notes, but defeats in all but four of their games last year were "close calls" decided by small numbers. "We are headed in the right direction," Hart said.

"Strivers achieve when dreamers believe" is this year's theme.

Men's basketball
Jeff Jones, head men's basketball coach, ended his team's last season in the CAA at 7-20. When he discusses the upcoming season he looks at direct and indirect factors that can affect the athletic program. "This summer, we had the most stable four or five months we've had," he said. Budgets are in place; people are doing their jobs with enthusiasm, and we must "continue moving forward."

Of the men's team, this year "10 out of 15 guys are new," he said, and the "attitude is more positive." And Jones thinks that goes a long way in grasping games from the jaws of defeat. "Last year when things got tough, student-athletes might think, 'here we go again.'" he said. "But this year, when the team is in a clutch, it will be, 'now is the time to buckle down.'"

Jones is counting on "determination, conviction, and drive" to keep that positive attitude. "We can't relax until we've done what we are capable of doing," he said. "There is absolutely no reason why we can't be good-not only this year, but every year."

Returning this year to Eagles basketball is senior Patrick Doctor, already distinguished when he was named in September to the Patriot League's preseason All-League Team. Doctor was the leading scorer and rebounder a year ago, averaging 16.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. Others on the preseason All-League team are Bryan Bailey (Bucknell), Tim Campolieta (Colgate), Chris Spatola (Army), and Tim Szatko (Holy Cross), also chosen as the league's preseason player of the year.

Also returning is senior Keith Gray. Eight newcomers join the team this year, including transfer Steven Miles. Miles, who played for Coastal Carolina, was named 1999 Big South Rookie of the Year.

For the schedule of games, see <www.american.edu/athletics>.