It’s hard to imagine a cougar getting anywhere fast on three legs or a lion attacking anything without using its claws or teeth. Nevertheless, the University of Calgary Dinos men’s basketball team was short three to four guards during each game this past weekend. The absence of these strong players is one reason for the Dinos’ consecutive losses.
First, on Thu., Oct. 28, the Dinos fell against Rocky Mountain College with a final score of 64-96. However, the absence of senior players gave some younger players a chance to see some pre-season action.
Rick Brar, who later also sat due to a broken finger, credited these players as “playing really well. With only eight men on for the whole game they were tired!”
The Dinos’ strength lies in the fact that they have a strong pool of both returning and rookie players who can be exchanged easily with one another. This was evident when Josh Feist, the Dinos’ number two point guard, saw 37 minutes of point guard action during their game against Whitworth College on Sun., Oct. 31.
Although the final score was a 57-62 loss, not all was lost. Will Galbraith, Lindsay Thouret, Dalbir Dosanjh and Brendan Groat all had excellent defensive games. Despite a strong fight put out by those on the court, it can be equally as tough for the injured players watching the plight from the sidelines.
“Those sitting out feel loses more,” claimed Whit Hornsberger, a fifth-year point guard for the Dinos who was forced to sit out Sunday’s game.
Indeed, it can be a helpless position to be watching a team you aren’t helping to win due to circumstances beyond your control.
But don’t count the Dinos’ injuries as reason to pity, these boys are ready to face the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds Fri., Nov. 5 during a pair of games on the road. The second will be against the University of Victoria Vikes Sun., Nov. 7.
“I can’t wait, UBC is a good challenge to start the season with. They are the biggest competition in the Canada West division,” commented Hornsberger.
Hopefully the Dinos will have good health and good luck with them on the road as Friday’s game kicks off the Dinos’ regular season.