2007 TIP-OFF BANQUET KICKS OFF HOOPS SEASON

By Jim Alexander '76 (Secretary, ROUNDBALL CLUB)

(November 4, 2007)—The 2007-08 Basketball season may have started officially for the players on October 15, but for over 200 alumni, supporters and parents it began on October 19 at the Second Annual Tip-Off Banquet held at The Country Club of Virginia in Richmond. In two short years this event has become a favorite of the fans, as it provides a special opportunity to meet the players and their parents, to visit with alumni and to hear about a team of true student-athletes.

ROUNDBALL CLUB President and former player Dave Wilson ’63 shared with the audience what distinguishes the program off the court. He cited Hampden-Sydney having seven players represented on the 2006-07 All ODAC Academic team with a GPA of at least 3.25, last year’s team having a cumulative GPA of 3.0, five current players serving as resident advisors, the program having a graduation rate of over 99 percent over the last 15 years,  Matt Green ’07 being recognized as last year’s ODAC Basketball Scholar-Athlete, and Jeff Monroe ’04, Matt Guill ’06 and Matt Green “07 winning the prestigious Gammon Cup award in recent years.

When the ROUNDBALL CLUB was formed three years ago, its mission was to “generate long term, sustainable financial support and fan interest in H-SC’s basketball program” that would, assist in attracting exceptional student-athletes. Hampden-Sydney President Walter Bortz was quick to note that the Club had exceeded all expectations by raising over $250,000 in the past two years. Additionally, the ROUNDBALL CLUB’s successful organizational model had been adopted by Hampden-Sydney’s seven other sports. Dave thanked all of the individuals and companies, led by Riverside Brick and Supply Company, who sponsored tables for the event. Athletic Director Joe Bush shared with the audience a recent phone message from a ROUNDBALL CLUB member. The alumnus had received a “thank you” phone call from a current player and said it was the finest and most impressive expression of appreciation he had ever received over decades of giving to various schools, universities and organizations.

Senior leadership has been the cornerstone of successful Tiger basketball teams. This year’s seniors, Troy Kaase, Tyler Murray and Drew Prehmus will lead a deep and talented squad. Troy shared the theme of this year’s team, TNT, which was suggested by Tyler because the letters stand for “Today Not Tomorrow,” and because TNT is explosive and dangerous; similar to what characterizes this year’s squad. Troy praised the work ethic of this year’s group, especially the freshmen, and said that the team is very excited to be playing on a completely refurbished court surface.

Coach Smith presented ODAC championship plaques to last year’s players. He recalled the end of the season run that began when the Tigers beat Randolph-Macon 82-53 on Senior Day, ran the table in Salem to win Hampden-Sydney’s tenth ODAC Championship, and knocked off its first round opponent in the NCAA Tournament before losing to eventual national runner-up Virginia Wesleyan. This year’s team is jelling and will have a deep bench as thirteen returnees are joined by a talented freshmen class of five. He said the trademarks of successful Hampden-Sydney basketball teams are senior leadership, rebounding, defense, and executing to perfection the offensive schemes, and he expects this team to be playing its best basketball at the end of the season.

The benediction was given by former standout player, Brandon Randall ’04, who spoke about giving – giving back to the community, giving your best in the classroom and on the court and giving to support to family, friends and those in need.

Next year’s Tip-Off Banquet will be held in Richmond on Friday, October 17, 2008.

To see a list of the 2007 Tip-Off Banquet sponsors or to join the ROUNDBALL CLUB, visit the basketball website.

-www.hsc.edu/athletics-