Men’s Basketball Fall Recap

The State Fair Community College (SFCC) Roadrunners have been preparing for the upcoming spring season, which has presented its own set of challenges due to COVID-19 restrictions.

"We've been weight training three days a week with another two days of skill work," said Roadrunners Head Basketball Coach Matt Brown. "We've scrimmaged once and have a couple more planned before the break. Three scrimmages in the fall should give us an idea of what the team will look like. Every day is  different and you just never know what the next day is going to bring in terms of health. We've had to be very adaptable."

Coach Brown believes the scrimmages are a valuable opportunity for all the players to get a chance to play and play some different combinations to get the players accustomed to playing basketball with each other.

Among the many other challenges Roadrunners had to face during the fall is having to wear masks.

"We've had to wear masks during practice," said Brown. "The players need a lot of water breaks and we have to use separate water bottles and towels each time. We must do a lot of extra things just to get to the floor, so it is almost a reward when you finally get there. We also have to make sure all those things (water bottles, towels, floor, etc.) are clean after practice."

Coach Brown has been pleased with the way his student-athletes have handled all the changes that have been thrown at them this semester.

"The bottom line is we all know that if we don't stay healthy and safe, we cannot practice or play," said Brown. "We don't play until January, but just a chance to get out of the dorm and come to practice is like a reward for our players, just being able to come to the gym and shoot is a big thing."

While moving the season to the spring semester has been an adjustment for the team, it does allow them to place an even greater emphasis on academics this fall.

"It has given us a chance to focus on our schoolwork," said sophomore guard/forward Kohen Thompson. "It also gives us an opportunity to make up for some of the time we missed this summer due to the gyms being closed. It feels weird having to wait four or five months after getting to school to start basketball. Usually when we get to school, basketball is coming around in about two months. I know my teammates and I can't wait to get on the floor again in January. I know we won't take anything for granted this year."

David Rohrbach

SFCC Athletics