Gilroy – Gavilan Rams Athletics Director Ron Hannon and women’s basketball coach Steve Nemeth announced that the women’s basketball team will not compete during the 2004-2005 season.
Instead, coach Nemeth will spend time rejuvenating the basketball program, building relationships, and helping prospective players to prepare for next year.
“(Coach) Steve Nemeth started at Gavilan College on the first day of fall semester, after last year’s high school graduates had already made their plans,” Hannon said. “While he did have one returning player from last year, others had transferred or left the area. By taking a hiatus from competitive play, he can do what he needs to do to strengthen the program and do it right. Some of the women who were interested in playing this year were unable to make the commitment due to conflicting family and job responsibilities.
“Of course I’m disappointed” said Nemeth, “But my philosophy is that we need to do what is best for the women on the team. I want them to enjoy the experience. We didn’t see enough experienced players this season to be competitive, have a good time, and get off on the right foot.”
Hannon added “It is more important to strengthen the program for the long run, and get the building blocks in place to make this a viable athletics program that the whole community can be proud of.”
Last year’s team won eleven games with only six players.
Nemeth said he is hoping to put together a larger team for next year by working with returning students and recruiting freshmen players.
He will continue to teach basketball at Gavilan College this spring and work with next year’s players on conditioning, weight training
Special to the Free Lance
