Expectations are high for this year's women's basketball team at Multnomah Bible College, according to new coaches Dorian and Kara Forrar.

For the past two years, the women's basketball team has faced obstacles: injuries and a minimum turnout of women interested in playing. Because of the program's history of inconsistency, the Forrars' main expectation is to see a program firmly established that is strong and runs efficiently.

The Forrars are also committed to expanding the team's knowledge of the game. Furthermore, they desire to see team members gain a deeper realization of what it means to use their skills to glorify the Lord.

Mr. and Mrs. Forrar also bring with them an experienced history.

Dorian attended Multnomah from 1989 until 1994. During his time at Multnomah, he was a member of the men's basketball team. Dorian also participated in noon ball, an open-gym activity in which people can play basketball to have fun and get exercise. The year after he graduated, he met his future wife, Kara.

After meeting Kara, Dorian offered her a coaching position at Damascus Christian High School, where he was the athletic director. Kara applied and was hired to coach the girls' basketball team. Dorian and Kara married seven months later. Dorian coached the boys' basketball team for six years at Damascus High, and Kara coached the girls' team for five years.

"It was hard to leave Damascus," Kara said. "It is never easy to say good-bye, but Dorian and I are more excited to be able to coach together and to build a strong team at MBC."

The Forrars hope their excitement is contagious. They want the Multnomah students, faculty and staff to come support the team and rally them to victory. With Regionals being held at Multnomah this year, the Forrars anticipate the entire Multnomah family's involvement.

"I am really excited for the season," returning member Sherina Staton said, "and I hope to see how the Lord orchestrates the team, unifying us with the new coaches in a way that reveals our true purpose: ministering to others through the game of basketball."

The Kick Off Tournament in Edmonds, Wash., against Puget Sound Christian College, Nov. 9, begins the season. Simpson College will also be competing in the tournament.

The MBC Invitational Tournament is the first home game for the women's basketball team, which will be held Nov. 16 - 18 in the MBC gym. MBC will compete against Walla Walla College, Linfield College and Pacific University.