Webster University Athletics

Going into the 2007 – 2008 season, Webster University Men’s Basketball coach is very excited. The Gorloks are coming off a 16-10 season, in which they tied for the SLIAC regular season title. This was the second time in three years that the Gorloks were regular season champions. However, the Gorloks once again lost in the SLIAC conference tournament and were denied a trip to the NCAA tournament. “We have a great nucleus of players returning,” says Coach Bunch. “Hopefully our returning players will work even harder so that we can make a trip to the national tournament this year.

The Gorloks graduated three seniors last year: Scott Spinner, a four-year starter, Shawn Nichoalds, and Jeff Messman. All three made significant contributions to last year’s title run, but Bunch feels that there is enough talent returning to make another run at the Conference Championship. Leading the charge this year will be three seniors. Darin Hoggatt, a two time First Team All SLIAC selection, who averaged _ points, and _ rebounds per game last year is just seven points shy of joining the 1000th point club for his career. Corey Kuhn, who was a Second Team All SLIAC selection as a sophomore, averaged _ points and _ rebounds per game last year and will be counted on again heavily. The other senior is Brad Robinson, who was a part-time started last year for the Gorloks. Robinson will be counted on for much production this year.

The Gorloks return three players that also started several games last season. These include Ryan Turk, Steve Hrdlicka, and Kyle Regan. Turk will get first shot at the point guard position, while Hrdlicka and Regan will battle for starting spots on the ring. Other upperclassmen that will vie for playing time, include junior, Doug Stiegemeier and sophomores, Josue’ Witcomb and John Ortwerth. Providing quality and depth on the Gorlok bench are sophomore guards Justin Endo and Colin Regan.

Webster invites four junior college transfers to this year’s squad. Point guard Eric Paradoski, wings, Luke Niebrugge and Tyler Tiemann, and post Ryan Jungk. Coach Bunch expects all of these newcomers to immediately battle for playing time.

Coach Bunch also welcomes a very promising freshman class to Webster University. Guards Matt Trippett, Scott Restoff, and Brad Cookson are all versatile players that can shoot and handle the ball. Forwards Nick Jones, Robby Meeh, and Mark Roettger can all score, rebound, and defend.

The Gorloks schedule is once again daunting with games against Hannover College, Transylvania University, UW Plattville, Augustana College, and Washington University. “I feel like we have a chance to be very competitive this year in region, so our schedule is a little tougher than usual,” Bunch says. “I’m confident our team will respond and rise to the challenge.”