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Show SporfstacularPag A Thursday, November 29, I 979 Rilty Wiborly, Asst. Coach, Dick Hunsakar. Kneeling, Eric Watson, Mark Mottos, David Penilton, Travis Salem, Jo Stafford, Todd Harper and Tim Doobn. (photo courtesty of Norman George) THI DEFENDING Big Sky Conference champions, Wabar Slat. Standing, (I to Condi, David Johnson, Richard r) Coach Nil McCarthy, Bruce Collins, Gerald Mattinson, Asst. Coach, Smith, Brian Devindnzi, Royal Edwards, $tv Perhaps bigger and better things are in store for Wildcats By Brad Larsen Sports Information Director Weber State College It was only two seasons ago that a bunch of tall, skinny sophomores at Weber State, defied any odds placed against them, and produced a 0 record, defeated Montana on their home court to win the Big Sky Championship, and found themselves in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1973. They didnt win their game in the opening round, losing to powerful But to those who had watched and Arkansas, studied this team, they knew it would be a matter of time before some good things would happen. Last season, as Juniors, they recorded the second best record in the history of the school, 25-scucessfully defended their Big Sky Championship, and once again earned an NCAA berth. They did a little better this time, defeating New Mexico State in the but again it was Arkansas who sent first round, the young Cats home, Well, here it is, 1979-8- 0 and McCarthys Kids, as they were dubbed two years ago, have grown up, physically and mentally, which means those good things may happen this season. 1 think the teams strength to date is their enormous capacity to work hard. They have fine character and each player really cares about the other players on the team and that is a very Important aspect in developing T a team, said McCarthy. The road to a successful season has a few in it, namely a very strong schedule, a tough holiday tournament, and a lot of improved teams and a new team in the Big Sky Conference. Weber State is the only school in the leagues k titles in basketball, history who has won and they did it SEVEN times in a row from 1967 through 1974! The schedule starts out with Utah State in Logan (Nov. 30f, Utah at home (Dec. l), Midwestern at home (Dec. 3), then Utah State at home (Dec. i). I dont think It will be hard to get the kids ready for the season games are opener,, said McCarthy. The always a challenge and we have been more than successful against them,' and moot of all they are"1 always exciting, so it should be a good test for us to see 19-1- 73-5- 2. 9, 81-7- 8, 84-8- stum-blingbloc- ks back-to-bac- v te The schedule also how good we are going to he. was concerned about craning into this season. includes perennial Division II power Puget Sound, with Up front, a trio of freshmen talent will be counted on New Mexico and Seattle on the road and an appearance to spell the regulars, but dont be surprised if a couple in the Las Vegas Holiday Classic, Dec. The of them see more action than not. Brian Devincens! (6-8- ) out of South Sevier Hitfi, has been looking very Wildcats first opponent is no less than the defending NCAA champions, Michigan State. work outs and will be playing both strong in forward and center. Royal Edwards (64) has shown McCarthy returns four starters, three of them first team Big Sky, two regular reserves and a red-shigood defensive ability. Travis Salem (64) is a fine from last seasons team. Bruce Collins ) was the shooter from the corners and perimeter. leading scorer on the team (16.2) and was the second I dont know if we will win as many games this year leading rebounder (6.7) playing out at the guard as we did last season, but we will have an excellent position. David Johnson (66) was second to Collins in team said McCarthy. Of course we played four more scoring (15.1) and was an excellent shooter from the last year than we have scheduled this year and we field and free throw line (.507 and .799 respectively). happened to win three of those, but this team does have Richard Smith (7-- averaged just over 14 points and the talent and mental outlook to win its share. nine rebounds a game and was the leading scorer on Of course, the Wildcat main objective is to win the the team in conference play with a 17.1 average. All first-teaBig Sty Championship. But with the addition of a very selections in the Big Sky three players were team and strong recruiting strong Nevada-Ren- o last season. seasons Northern Arizona and Montana State, the by The other starter is guard Mark Mattos ). Mattos Cats are certainly no shoo-ifor the crown. has 429 career assists, including a season high 200 It will be very difficult for us to win the league during his freshman season. Todd Harper (64) and Gerald Mattlson (64) were championship for the third time in a row, McCarthy both instrumental in last years team effort coming off said. Everybody is pointing to us in the conference and everybody seems to have their best games against the bench in reserve roles and both are looking to crack the starting five this season. Harper, a sophomore us, so we have to be ready. For some of the teams In the from San Diego, can play either the big guard or small league, a win over Weber State makes their whole season. I look for It to be a dog-figfrom top to botforward spot and is an outstanding shooter from long tom. teammate school a of Collins at range. Mattison, high The winner of the regular season title hosts the four-teaRock Springs, WY high school, spent one year at. Casper JC where he was the first team Juco playoff to determine the representative to the NCAA tourney. It should be an incentive for the and left after one season to come to Weber. Wildcats because for the first time in the schools David Penilton (64) transferred to Weber from Oregon State, but an auto accident injury forced him to history, it will, host an NCAA event in basketball. The Dee Events Center will be the first and second round sit out last season. Penilton, like Harper can swing to either guard or forward. He is quick and agile and . site for the NCAA 197946 basketball tournament ' Weber State hosts games n March' and 8 with reported to camp in excellent shape. Arizona State hosting the other first Ond second rounds McCarthy has brought in three Junior college back-cou- rt men to help build some depth. Erie WatsoetM) J In the West on March 7 and 9. T i and Joe Stafford (64) are both out of Schoolcraft CC In 'With' a competitive schedule and a' host' of exLivonia, MI, just outside Detroit. Stafford is a jailor, players returning thevWildcat Rita an while Watson has three years remaining. Up Deelaa to make it a supra year nd chance to nity " ) has been a starter at Dodge City (KS.LCC the ' ay' in the ftCAA tourrtey at htifne.Maybe, if Lady past tv o years. All three individuals are quick and smiles upon the 'Cats. they could hive a third ' should help the overall team speed, an area McCarthy chance a( Arkansas in Ogden? 28-2- 9. pre-seas- rt (6-5- 1) m (6-0- n ht m i lck tae f4o twn of bits rwiJp'baiR sap) wviti&ud fwifiuifsrwi 4 |