16
My view: a fan’s perspective on the
Washington Wizards scrimmage
THE Seahawk/Dctober 1 7, 2DDD
Chad Elmore
Staff Writer
On Oct. 10, the Washington Wiz
ards basketball team played their in-
tra-squad scrimmage in Trask Coli
seum on the campus of UNC
Wilmington. The game was extremely
entertaining and many people showed
up to watch the Wizards display their
Traveling to the game was a tre
mendous labor-intensive activity. The
doors to Trask Coliseum opened at
5:30 p.m. but many fans arrived closer
to game-time, 7:00 p.m. This created
increased congestion on the roads,
however, the UNCW police seemed to
handle the influx of vehicles with ease.
Once inside Trask Coliseum, finding
a seat was easy and watching the
Washington Wizards warm-up was
somewhat entertaining. “I’ve got
money on the Wizards,” remarked se
nior P.J. Colonna.
Nevertheless, many of the crowd
goers were searching for one celestial
figure, Michael Jordan. “It’s just
something to do, and I came to see
Michael Jordan,” commented Dustin
Williams. When Jordan finally made
his entrance, the announcer nearly in
terrupted the national anthem trying
to communicate to the crowd the ar
rival of “His Aimess”. The announcer
also blundered on a few occasions
when pronouncing player names and
introductions.
Furthermore, he advertised the
bond issue and encouraged everyone
to vote November 7. This seemed a
bit out of place and caught many off
guard since most people were there to
be entertained.
The Washington Wizards filled the
game with admirable play. The Wiz
ards squad was divided into two teams
and they in-tum played amongst each
other. The first half was slow, but by
the second half, the Wizards increased
the intensity. “I like the fouling and
the slam-dunks,” said 11-year-old Josh
Harvey.
The action continued to increase
until finally a time-out was called by
one of the squads. During the break,
the UNCW sound system was acti
vated but the speakers sounded hor
rible as if they were blown-out. Re
gardless, music was played
continually throughout breaks and
time-outs, displaying the weak and
somewhat pale sound system.
Despite frequent mishaps and mis
takes, the overall atmosphere of the
game was pleasurable. “We love you
Mike! was shouted from the stands
numerous times during the game.
Cherokee Parks also received the oc
casional cheer from fans.
“I wanted to see Cherokee Parks,”
said Vicki Greene, an audience mem
ber.
When the game’s completion was
imminent, much of the crowd began
to leave. The players immediately
went to the locker room as the final
buzzer sounded, leaving the crowd
wondering which team had come awav
with the win. Nonetheless, Wizards
game was entertaining and fun to
watch.
Departing from Trask Coliseum
was easy with the help of UNCW po
lice. However, the roads were again
congested. Still, according to Wes
Sills, “it was a good time for the stu
dent body to come together,” suggest
ing that the game was well worth it.
Can’t wait until next year - bring
on the Washington Wizards.
SCHATZ, FROM PAGE 1 5
earning his degree in Physical Educa
tion. In the future he hopes to teach
high school level physical education
and coach soccer.
After college, Schatz indicated that
a professional soccer career is of seri
ous interest. Clearly, his love for the
game does not end with his collegiate
Not one to speak readily of himself,
speaking about the team is another
story. Schatzthinks very highly of his
teammates. Upon witnessing team in
teraction, you can see that they are
more than just teammates, but friends
as well.
Schatz said that this year’s team is
a diverse mix between experienced
players and young, future stars.
“We have a great team this year.
All we need to do is find our rhythm
and incorporate the experience [of the
veterans] with the less experienced,”
he said.
Schatz has incredible ambition to
advance in the sport, and the fact that
he is an awesome player does not hurt
either. With goals in mind he could
become apart of a growing list of pro
fessional athletes who can call UNCW
home. Nevertheless, Schatz has a
solid future helping others by passing
on a gift that was presented to him
years earlier.
Who willl have the belt 2000
CAA women’s soccey record?
rtesy ofwww. CAASports.
Current
George Mason
58.4%
UNC Wilmington
15.0 %
lOld Dominion
14.4%
James Madison
3.7%
Richmond
3.2%
American i
2.6%
East Carolina
1.1 %
William & Mary J
1.0%
0.5%
Standings (as of bbl 13)
2028
m
501
129
110
90
39
36
19
Show your mahawk pride! Place J^IF vote at:
|p://www.caasports.co®f
Rock + Bowl
MU/IC,
fOOP, J*«ACK/^ Ban,
& SovimG
Every Monday
™ night from 9 p.m.
till midnight bowl
all you want for
$8.00.
Bring in this coupon for a free pair of rental
^ shoes, limit one per player per visit.
Cardinal Lanes
3907 Shipyard Blvd
799-3023