Men look back on up-and-down season
Andy Buss
Issue date: 3/12/09 Section: Sports
The Hillsdale College men's basketball team, in a way, had one of the most successful seasons in the school's history - hosting a first-round GLIAC tournament game.
With a final overall record of 16-11 and 14-8 in the GLIAC, the men finished as the three seed in the GLIAC, a spot not many had them pegged for entering the year.
"In the grand scheme, we took a step forward," head coach John Tharp said. "We were the three seed - I don't think many people expected us to be there this year."
While Tharp noted the upside, senior Travis Worst looked at what could have been.
"I think we underachieved," he said. "We lost a lot of close games we could have won."
Tharp agreed the team left something to be desired in the big picture.
"We're really disappointed in how it ended," he said. "Losing a GLIAC game on our home floor. If we would have won that, we think we could have gotten to the NCAA tournament."
Senior and captain Tony Gugino said the season had its roller coaster highs and lows.
Tharp said the five graduating seniors had a terrific year and leave Charger basketball indebted to them.
"We are appreciative of everything they've done for our program and the college," he said. "They are big shoes to fill - literally with Skaggs [senior Chris Skaggs]."
With some talented seniors moving on, Tharp said the team will work a bit differently next year.
"We don't have the individual talent that the senior class has," he said. "We'll have to make it up as a whole. Those holes that are left will be filled by our chemistry and teamwork, and we'll need some individuals to step up their performance."
With a final overall record of 16-11 and 14-8 in the GLIAC, the men finished as the three seed in the GLIAC, a spot not many had them pegged for entering the year.
"In the grand scheme, we took a step forward," head coach John Tharp said. "We were the three seed - I don't think many people expected us to be there this year."
While Tharp noted the upside, senior Travis Worst looked at what could have been.
"I think we underachieved," he said. "We lost a lot of close games we could have won."
Tharp agreed the team left something to be desired in the big picture.
"We're really disappointed in how it ended," he said. "Losing a GLIAC game on our home floor. If we would have won that, we think we could have gotten to the NCAA tournament."
Senior and captain Tony Gugino said the season had its roller coaster highs and lows.
Tharp said the five graduating seniors had a terrific year and leave Charger basketball indebted to them.
"We are appreciative of everything they've done for our program and the college," he said. "They are big shoes to fill - literally with Skaggs [senior Chris Skaggs]."
With some talented seniors moving on, Tharp said the team will work a bit differently next year.
"We don't have the individual talent that the senior class has," he said. "We'll have to make it up as a whole. Those holes that are left will be filled by our chemistry and teamwork, and we'll need some individuals to step up their performance."
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