The first competitive men’s basketball team at Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus (IUPUC) since 1987 will hit the court in a bout against Franklin College on December 14 at 7 p.m.
The last time IUPUC had a men’s basketball team was 1984-87, when the university competed against opponents like Lindsey-Wilson College (Kentucky), St. Meinrad, IU Kokomo, Ivy Tech, and Franklin College’s JV team.
According to Ryan Brewer, an assistant professor of finance and the team’s faculty advisor, the team scheduled to have at least five contests against other schools this year.
The 2012-13 men’s lineup includes:
- Jim Clip | 6'4" forward/center
Freshman in University College; plans to major in mechanical engineering
Columbus, IN
- Blake Davis | 6'5" guard/forward
Freshman in University College; plans to major in general studies
Butlerville, IN (Jennings Co.)
- Devon Davis | 6'5" center
Sophomore majoring in business
Columbus, IN
- Ryan Hopkins | 6'3" guard/forward
Sophomore majoring in business
Columbus, IN
- Adam Idlewine | 6'4" guard
Freshman in University College; plans to major in business
Columbus, IN
- Greg Kelley | 6'5" forward
Sophomore majoring in business
Columbus, IN
- Cameron Oathout | 6'5" center
Freshman in University College; plans to major in criminal justice
Columbus, IN
- Joey Smith | 5'10" guard
Junior majoring in business
Elizabethtown, IN
The athletes are being trained by Head Coach Quinton Moore. Brewer said he and Moore are focusing less on whether they win or lose and more on individual and team development. “Right now, we are emphasizing sportsmanship, building a good individual work ethic, and playing ball as a team. Moving forward, I believe offering a men’s ball club will be a great asset in helping students develop lifelong habits of excellence in character that comes with each practice and the hard work they put forth. The guys will learn respect for themselves and others, how to win or lose with grace, improve their time management skills, realize the value and fun of physical fitness, and increase their self-confidence,” Brewer reported.
Brewer has received local, state, and national recognition for his research on the valuation of college sports programs. He was featured in a large spread in the Indianapolis Business Journal on his “groundbreaking study” valuing 100 U.S. college football teams. The story was picked up by papers in Boston, Pittsburgh, Lexington, and Honolulu as well as the Wall Street Journal. Brewer was also quoted in The Chicago Tribune about the value of Penn State’s football program after the Sandusky scandal broke.
According to Vice Chancellor and Dean Marwan Wafa, the basketball program will work hard to earn community support and build pride.
“Establishing a men’s basketball team at IUPUC is one of several ongoing efforts to provide students with an array of student life programming. This is the second of three teams for male and female student-athletes IUPUC launched this year. The other two are cross-country and golf,” he added.
The December 14 game between IUPUC and Franklin College begins at 7 p.m. on December 14 at the Foundation For Youth (FFY), located at 405 Hope Avenue in Columbus.
According to Brewer, FFY officials will oversee officiating, scoring, and concessions including snacks and drinks. “The cost of admission is $5 for adults and $3 for junior high, senior high, or college students with a valid ID. Children ages 12 and under are free,” he said.
For more information about IUPUC men’s basketball team, please contact Ryan Brewer at rybrewer@iupuc.edu or 812.348.7253. For more information about athletics at IUPUC, please contact Sandra Miles, director of student affairs, at smiles@iupuc.edu or 812.314.8539.