Men's basketball returns with big goals for season

The Beavers are hoping to have another great season following the 23-3 record season last year. They will start the season off on Sunday, Nov. 15, against Wayne State College.
“A few of our team goals are to win the conference regular season title, the conference tournament final, and advance as far as we can in the national tournament. Also, another team goal is to go undefeated with all home games throughout the season,” senior Kevin Osborn said.
The Beavers have a tough schedule ahead of them in the Iowa Conference. They were picked to finish third in the pre-season coaches poll. Wartburg and Central were picked to finish first and second, each respectively.
The Beavers lost twice to Wartburg last year, 58-62 in the first meeting and 81-85 in the second meeting. Gustavus Adolphus College, who the Beavers lost 66-80 to early last season, will be another tough obstacle for the Beavers.
“I am most looking forward to the home games. The support our student body, families, and community gives the boy’s and girl’s basketball programs is amazing. As an opponent coming to our place, our gym is by far the toughest atmosphere to play in because our student body is always ‘going nuts,’” senior Kevin Osborn said.
The loss of their IIAC Men’s All-Conference MVP, All-West Region First Team, and NABC All-District First team guard Andre Wagner to graduation will be a tough feat to overcome. Fellow seniors Matt Cleveland, Brian Fogleman, and Travis Person also exit to graduation after earning all-conference honors last season as well. The team looks to get the job done this season with a mix of new and returing players.
Returning members include Osborn, fellow seniors Steve Gute and Nathan Parker, as well as sophomores Jeff Janssen, Doug Bissen, Michael Elming, Chase Weaver, Andy Purhmann, Stefan Petersen, Joe Bohan, and Jordan Snyder.
Several first-year students, many who were All-State athletes also look to help out the team.
“We have a mixture of guys with experience and many young guys, but our expectations are just as high as last season. With the best coaching staff in the conference, I have no doubt we will compete in every single game this season,” senior Kevin Osborn said.
The Beaver have two away games to start the season off. The first will be at Wayne State on Sunday, Nov. 15 at 4p.m. and the next one at Grandview University Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m.