The team practices hard in preparation for the new season.
While the Kodiaks men’s basketball team is gearing up for hosting ACAC championships next March, their head coach wants the team to focus on one game at a time.
Head coach Ryan Heggie says his team is looking forward to the lift created by hosting the championships, but also says his team needs to work hard to keep that in the air come March.
“We are looking forward to the buzz that hosting will generate. We are hoping to pack the house in March. My team works hard and I think fans like to come out and watch a team work hard, and I told my team that there is no substitute for hard work.”
But Heggie also says he doesn’t want his team to get too far ahead of themselves and that he wants them to focus on the task at hand, getting better week by week.
“Right now we are preparing for our home opener. We will prepare weekly for the ACAC Championships. We don’t want to look too far ahead. If you look anywhere past your next opponent, you could drop in the standings. We just need to take this season one game at a time.”
Heggie says his team will need to improve on both sides of the ball and that the team will need to put in work outside of team practices.
Cole Crick is one of the new faces on the team after transferring to the Kodiaks this past summer after playing three years in B.C. and he shares a similar mindset to his head coach when it comes to preparing for this season.
“I think our end goal is to win a national titl,e but in the short term, we need to get better every day.”
Crick says the team is excited about hosting but says they need to stay focused if they are to capitalize on hosting the tournament.
“I think we have a lot to look forward to this season but we can’t take hosting for granted. I’ve seen a lot teams host and lose so we need to stay confident.”
Crick also said he needs to help the team as much as he can on both sides of the ball.
“I need to be the best I can. I need to be a defensive presence and an offensive powerhouse.”
The team opens up their regular season on Oct. 20 at home against Briercrest College. Game time is 7 p.m. in the Val Matteotti gymnasium.