2003-04 Outlook

As the 2003-2004 season approaches, the Graceland University men’s basketball program will look to improve upon its 13-18 record and sixth place finish in the Heart of American Athletic Conference. The sixth place finish was the best finish for the Yellowjackets since the 1996-1997 season. With a strong nucleus returning, including four starters, and a recruiting class that will bolster the program, excitement runs high throughout the Yellowjacket program. To keep the momentum rolling, the Jackets will look to build around strength in the post and their trademark quickness and depth at the perimeter positions.

The Yellowjackets will return eight letter winners led by 6’8” senior post Tom Renaud, 5’9” junior point guard Matt Lynch, and 6’0” junior shooting guard Chad Holstrom. Renaud returns to anchor the inside for the Yellowjackets and serve as Team Captain. He averaged 8.7 points and 5.8 rebounds a game last season and will be counted on again to provide a physical presence in the paint. Lynch, a 3rd Team HAAC selection last season, brings excitement and speed to the Yellowjacket offense. His 11.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.5 steals, and 2.6 assists per game is evidence of his playmaking abilities. Holstrom returns as the team’s leading scorer from a year ago where he established himself as one of the top shooters in the Heart of America Athletic Conference. An Honorable Mention HAAC selection, he averaged 11.6 points, 3.1 rebounds a game in 2002-2003.

Other returning letterwinners that will play significant roles are: 6’6” senior forward and Team Captain Brad Kephart, healthy again after a knee injury that kept him out of the first half of the 2002-2003 season, 6’8” senior forward Andy Paine is a returning starter who is returning to form after a late summer broken wrist, 5’10” junior point guard Keith Van Natta, a quick playmaker, 6’4” junior wing John Burrell, and 6’0” sophomore guard Wendell Smith.

Other players looking to add depth and push for significant playing time are: 6’0” senior guard Chris Beets, 6’6” senior forward Jason Vickers, back in the program after a one year absence, 6’3” junior forward Ronnie Brewster, a strong player back after redshirting the 2002-2003 season, 6’2” junior guard Roman Conner, 6’5” junior forward Caleb Still, 6’8” junior post Marshall Waybenais, 6’5” junior forward Nate Webb, 6’8” sophomore post Dan Easter, 6’5” sophomore forward Travis Hunt, and 5’10” sophomore guard Matt Rider.

A large group of incoming freshman and three transfers were added to the Yellowjacket program in the off-season. This group shows a great deal of potential and will help fill gaps in the varsity program immediately and solidify a junior varsity program. The 2003-2004 season may very well be the start of some outstanding college careers for these young men. Transfers include: 6’5” junior wing Micah Johnson (Fontana, CA/Chaffey CC), 5’11” sophomore combo guard Mike Vipperman (Ashland University), 5’11” and freshman guard David McDonald (Gladwin, MI/Kirtland CC). Incoming freshmen include: 6’2” guard Bryan Cargill (Lawrence, KS), 6’0” guard Josh Dalsing (St. Joseph, MO), 6’3” guard Dominic Foster (El Cajon, CA), 5’8” guard Trey Held (Trenton, MO), 6’8” post Heath Henry (Cameron, MO), 6’6” post Jason Holt (Polo, MO), 6’4” guard Sean Maroldo (Lamoni, IA), 6’5” forward Tyson Meierotto (West Point, IA), 5’10” guard Chase Moore (Memphis, MO), 6’3” guard Brian Rose (Knoxville, IA), 6’1” guard Jacob Stock (Bennett, IA), 6’1” guard Stuart Williams (Anamosa, IA), and 6’0” guard Brandon Winchester (Bendena, KS).

Head Coach Rich Harrop begins his 38th year as a head coach. Coach Harrop has amassed a career coaching record of 485-427 overall and a Graceland coaching record of 136-258 in 12 seasons. He will be assisted again this year by Ted Quinn (2nd Year).

New to the staff this year is Graceland Alumnus Mike Foster. Foster played for the Yellowjackets in the 1980s and will assume the head junior varsity coaching duties and serve as a varsity assistant coach. Student Assistants, Kevin Getman and Alfonso Franco will also help prepare the Yellowjackets for battle.

The goal for the 2003-2004 Yellowjacket program will be to continue to improve every aspect of the program each day and prepare to compete with some of the best competition in the country. This year’s schedule includes many tough pre-conference tests that will prepare the Yellowjackets for the ever-tough Heart of America Athletic Conference schedule. The Yellowjackets will rely on team quickness to play in the full court and experience to compete in a tough league. Pressure defense and an emphasis on fast break-style basketball will provide an exciting game for the players and fans.