Blaine KinseyGoSycamores.com
Male students who are interested in basketball may have the opportunity to help the ISU women's basketball team next season as they chase another Missouri Valley Conference Championship.
With the arrival of new head coach Teri Moren, one of the behind-the-scenes changes that will follow is the addition of a male practice squad to help prepare the team for its games.
Moren is looking for male students who are enrolled for the 2010-2011 academic year and who have participated in high school basketball.
"We have had [male practice players] everywhere I have ever been," Moren said. "The benefit to having a practice squad is that guys are a little bit more athletic and stronger. So from a standpoint of just playing against them day in and day out, the athleticism is a little bit different from what we will see from the women."
One of the biggest things Moren is looking for in the practice squad players is a more physical presence to help the team raise their competitive level.
"Going against them makes us play at a quicker and more physical level in order to compete against them," junior forward Kelsie Cooley said. "That's what we need to get better."
Those selected for the squad will be asked to assist with game preparation and be involved in fundamental drills, as well as serve as the scout team.
Students selected will receive ISU basketball gear to be worn during practice such as shirts, shorts and shoes.
While the team will practice every day, a daily obligation is not necessary; however, interested students must be available at least three to four nights a week.
"If they can come every day to practice, that's great," Moren said. "The more they can show up, the better it is for us."
Anyone interested in participating as a member of the practice squad should contact assistant coach Melanie Boeglin at (812) 249-0591 or melanie.boeglin@indstate.edu.