CMU basketball coaches and players excited to have

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For the past month and a half, the CMU men’s and women’s basketball teams have practiced at the Student Activity Center.

With multiple other activities going on at the SAC, distractions can be a problem. With the new Events Center opening, both teams will be getting a new facilities and the coaches and players are happy to be moving in.

Women’s basketball head coach Sue Guevara said things can get a little crazy.

“We’ve got people walking and running around and guys over here practicing and it’s chaos, but what it does is it forces us to focus on what we are doing and just tune everything else out,” Guevara said. “If you think about it, it’s (what it’s) going to be like at an opposing arena and we can just hone in on what we are doing.”

Not having its own practice facility has not seemed to hurt the women’s team, as it has started the season with a 4-2 overall record and the Winthrop Classic tournament championship already under its belt.

Even though the courts at the SAC are not regulation size, the players have not seemed to mind too much.

“This is nice, but there is nothing like going back to your own gym,” said senior forward Kaihla Szunko. “It is going to be great to feel the nets, feel the rims, and just be in that atmosphere where we will play our games and where our fans will be. This is shorter than a normal court so just to get the feel of a real court I am excited.”

The Events Center is set to open today when the men’s team plays the nationally-ranked Temple Owls in what will be the first game played in McGuirk Arena.

With high expectations for both the men’s and women’s team, the new arena also adds incentive and even some motivation to get in there and play.

“I think for us, it shows to our guys that basketball is important. There’s a commitment to basketball and excellence throughout our athletics department,” said head coach Ernie Zeigler. “This is the defining jewel of our athletic department and I think our guys are excited to be the first to step on the floor.”

The reaction from coaches and players has been similar, excited but also anxious.

When the teams get to practice in the new facility it will take some getting used to, but after a while should provide an advantage for the Chippewas.

Wrestling head coach Tom Borrelli said the concerts, graduation, and other community events will be great as well.

“The new Events Center is going to be fantastic. We’re excited in the athletic department, but for the whole university,” Borrelli said. “Those things are going to be nice for the campus and the community.”

sports@cm-life.com