One on two: Shooting around with basketball coach Len Harvey
For the interview with volleyball coach Sandra Lamb, click here
Amanda Ducheminsky
Staff Writer
This year the MRU womens’ basketball team hired a new head coach, Len Harvey, to help them prepare for this upcoming season starting Nov. 7.
“The team has been preparing since the start of September with an intense month long training camp. We’ve been emphasizing consistency and attention to detail in our preseason prep,” said Harvey.
The team is becoming a well-oiled machine, having already participated in an Edmonton Showcase tournament and a Calgary Cup tournament. The team will also head to Montana to compete against two NCAA teams before regular season.
Even though he was unable to experience MRU’s transition into the CIS, Harvey said that he and the team are receiving a lot of support from the athletic department.
“Based on everything I’ve experienced so far, the athletic department and support staff have done such a great job working every day to make sure we have what we need to be successful.”
Last season, as a CIS team, the women’s basketball team finished with a 5-17 league play record. There are only four dressing players returning.
“We have taken on a significant number of new players this year. The team is completely a new look,” said Harvey.
Harvey sees strength in the new team. He says that this year’s team is close and will be able to work through any challenges.
“The team is very close knit, and work hard for each other. They experience adversity on a daily basis in practice and training. Our ability to work through difficult situations and find ways to be successful is going to be the trademark of this team.”
Harvey also believes that having a new team identity will help draw Cougar fans to games. He says that not only do active crowds have a huge effect on games, but also the games themselves can have an effect on the fans.
“I fondly remember my time spent in gyms and supporting my university’s varsity teams. In a lot of ways it was a social event. It is a huge piece to creating an engaged student body. We are a smaller school here in Calgary, but I think we need to develop an identity of having the best student crowds of CanWest.”
