By Ted Waddell
LOCH SHELDRAKE — October 22, 2002 – The Sullivan County Community College (SCCC) athletic department raised the curtain on the 2002-2003 men’s and women’s basketball teams during a gala event “Down in the Bunker.”
The Generals’ “Jam”boree was held Thursday evening at the Paul Gerry Fieldhouse, aka Generals Headquarters. Following a welcome by Dean David Thomson, and Athletic Director, Chris DePew, the “Voices of Generals Basketball” — Joe Roche and Dave Katz — took over the mike for the rest of the night.
“General Dunker” and the SCCC cheerleading team took to the floor, and were followed by a spotlight presentation of the men’s and women’s basketball teams. Special events included a Men’s team scrimmage, hot shot shoot-out and a dunk contest.
The Generals will be coached this season by Chad Beeten, assisted by DePew in a repeat of last year’s coaching strategy. According to the 2002-2003 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) pre-season men’s basketball poll, released on October 11, the Generals are ranked 1st in Division III. They had 27-4 record in 2001-2002, won the regional title and were runner-ups at the nationals in Delhi.
In the 2002-2003 season of hoops, the Lady Generals will be coached by second-year helmsman Kyle Walter. The team was un-ranked in the NJCAA pre-season poll. The women’s team had a 6-11 record last year.
One of last season’s starters showed up to show support for the new team wearing a t-shirt created in graffiti-style by Doms, a friend from 145st Street in Harlem.
“It’s a little tribute to everyone who’s passed (on), but still lives in our hearts,” said Kareem Morgan.
His take on the new season, “I think we’re going all the way.”
“Chad did a great job in getting a combination of kids, kids who will compliment the kids we have returning,” said DePew of recruiting for the men’s basketball team.
Returning starters from last season’s team: Dana Holmes and Wygene McCants. Returnees from the 2001-2002 bench: Anthony Lee, Doneilous King and Darius Waters.
“I’m confident that if they learn Chad’s system and play as hard as last year’s team, we should have a pretty good season,” added DePew.
According to DePew, this year’s men’s team is more talented and athletic than last year’s squad, and in his opinion equal to the team of two years ago.
Local players on the women’s basketball team are Nicole Argent (Livingston Manor Central School), Rachelle Irwin (Livingston Manor) and Lotdesa Snowden (Liberty).
“Kyle really hit the recruiting trail,” he said of efforts to make the women’s team competitive.
“He went out and got kids that can play,” said DePew. “It’s going to be nice to sit back and watch them have some success.”