Men's basketball '11-'12 schedule released

The Weber State University men’s basketball team huddles together for a quick cheer before going on the court to play Arizona State University last year. The team’s 2011-12 season is scheduled to start on Nov. 7, 2011 against the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.

The Weber State University men’s basketball team has released the new schedule for the upcoming 2011-12 season. The team is already practicing and focusing on making next year successful.

The Wildcats will start the season with three home games in a row. On Nov. 7, they will play against the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. This will be an exhibition game to open the season. Later the same week, on Nov. 11, they will take on Northern New Mexico College. They will then play the last game of that home stand on Nov. 15, when they will face off against in-state rival Utah State University.

“Very challenging is the upcoming season this year for us,” said head coach Randy Rahe. “We have a tougher schedule this season, high-level games, but we are going to have a good season this year.”

Rahe said it feels good to have more home games this season. Last year, the Wildcats played 18 games on the road, which was more than half of the games they played during the season.

“I am excited for the new season,” Rahe said. “Every game is a challenge for me and my team. However, Utah’s schools, like Brigham Young or Utah State, are the most important games of every season.”

The Wildcats are scheduled to play against Brigham Young University on Dec. 7 in Provo. Last year, WSU challenged the Cougars and was almost able to pull off an upset victory.

“We are expecting to have a strong team this season,” said assistant coach Eric Duft. “I’m excited about next fall.”

Duft said it is always exciting to see new players coming into the team, and to see veteran players returning to do what they do best. The coaching staff said they have high hopes for the upcoming season and have set multiple goals for on and off the court.

“We want to win to the Big Sky Conference this year,” Duft said. “We are hoping to do well this season and develop a team to be proud of, in a way that the WSU community will be proud.”

Duft said the opening game of the season is always exciting for him, and that he is focusing on in-state games the most.

“BYU and USU games are always exciting to watch,” Duft said. “I am hoping that people will come to the games and support us. It should be an exciting year.”

Last year, the Wildcats were hurt by injuries, with many players missing crucial games, which is something that players said they hope to avoid in the upcoming year.

“I’m excited to get going this upcoming season,” said guard Scott Bamforth. “We need to stay healthy as much as we can.”

Bamforth said the team wants to do something special, like new techniques of playing, so that they can win games this upcoming season.

“The games will be tough this season at times, with a lot of challenges in the preseason,” Bamforth said. “But that is what will get us ready for the conference. It will help us to win the championship.”

Bamforth said the team is working very hard so that, when the season comes, it can pull together to become a great team.