A regular column by Athletic Director Bill Husak.
The sanity of October is the precursor for March Madness for our men's and women's as well as basketball programs across the country. With practice beginning and everyone's record standing at 0-0, there is a dose of optimism sprinkled with each team's reality. That is certainly the case at LMU.
We are fortunate to be lead by two outstanding head coaches in Julie Wilhoit and Rodney Tention. Although each is in a different stage of building their program and on the outside seem like very different people, in reality they are quite similar. Their similarities include a drive to win and a competitiveness that doesn't get personal. They want the best for their student-athletes and expect a great deal from them as athletes, students and people. They espouse and practice the values of LMU and are outstanding representatives. Their ethics make them the envy of their peers and they stand committed to doing things the right way.
The women's basketball program is in a stage of jumping to new highs. Julie is building a tradition of success that includes six winning seasons in the past seven years, conference championships and NCAA and Nit post and pre-season appearances. The caliber of student-athletes that she has recruited in the past was always impressive. Our current team members, however, has raised that standard even more and we believe that our future success will be even greater.
Rodney is on a similar road that Julie traveled in building the men's program. LMU men's basketball has struggled since the early 90's. Rodney is looking to forge the future and leave his stamp on the program by recruiting skilled and athletic players who will win the WCC and experience the type of success that the women's program has. The blue print is not dissimilar. I believe that you will get an exciting glimpse into the future with this year's team. It is young and inexperienced, but it is also talented and athletic.
I hope you have the opportunity to come and cheer the Lions on this year. LMU basketball is here and beginning to roll and we want you to be a part of it. So, fasten your seat belt for a wild and exciting ride with our basketball programs.
Go Lions!
Bill
