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Men's basketball begins season strong

Multnomah Bible College's 1998-1999 basketball team had six returnees this year, lending an experienced edge this season against colleges such as Wheaton and Warner Pacific. Thirteen of the team's games are at home, and 22 are away in such places as Alaska, Arizona and Canada.

Veterans Andy Abrahamson, Henry Barrera, Bill Bedell, Jeremy Borg, Sam Couture and Larry Peacock add the experience that distinguishes this team from any other in Chris Reese's five years as coach. Most of the returnees played quality time on the court and all went to the National Christian College Athletic Association nationals last year. The Ambassador's newest members include Tim Beal, Chris Cook, Kyle Kettering, Barry Overall, Philip Spuler and Nathan Borg.

They're an excellent group of players, Coach Reese said. "It's going to be a good year," he said. Couture, Kettering, Peacock and Overall are intense on the court, giving everything they have, Reese said. He said Jeremy Borg adds loyalty, Abrahamson exudes enthusiasm and Bedell exerts strength. Beal and Cook lend confidence without cockiness, Spuler and Nathan Borg supply determination and Barrera is committed, Reese said. "[The team has] depth on the bench," Peacock said. "Every guy can play ball. We have a strong team."

Starting Nov. 5, MBC's gym will resound with the squeak of 10 pairs of sneakers and the hollow zing of a dribbling ball. Reese said he encourages students and members of the community to attend games. "If people see their enthusiasm and how hard they work, they will be hooked," he said.

Membership on the team is a dream come true for Overall, he said. Ever since his uncle played on MBC's team when Overall was 9 years old, he has longed to be an Ambassador. As a music major, he gave up such opportunities as choir and Destiny to see the fulfillment of his lifelong goal.

Shooting guard Chris Cook relinquished a full scholarship at the University of New Mexico to play at MBC. He said he felt he wasn't accomplishing anything in his academic career at the university. His grades were low, at one point dropping below a 1.0. He said his heart wasn't in his studies there and felt that God was calling him to MBC. Now his grades have improved, and he said he feels that the team is like a family. He said he should have been at MBC all along.

The team's ultimate goal is to win the national championships in Oklahoma. Yet they desire to meet several goals along the way such as striving for top physical condition. A week of practice consists of three one-hour weight sessions, two half-hour conditioning sessions, two half-hour blocks of speed and agility drills and three one-hour formal practices.

Along with intense training, Coach Reese requires the men to submit weekly reports of how many hours each has studied. For every hour in class, he expects an hour of study. For every 15 minutes of homework missed, he requires the men to run full-court and back 10 times. The team members run the full-court stretch 25 to 50 times for receiving a grade lower than a "C" on a test or paper. "The game's going to end," Coach Reese said. "You can't take basketball on the job."

Prayer plays an important role as the team works toward its goals for spiritual growth, representation of Christ, health and time management, according to Coach Reese. He said the coaches also need prayer for wisdom in decision-making and setting a good example for the players. Coach Reese said he desires to teach his team that life consists of more than basketball, and players need the "whole package" to be successful. He wants them to be good stewards in all aspects of life. Part of that package is ministry. The team intends to take its influence into the community. The men plan to visit children's hospitals, prisons and detention homes, using their basketball skills to impact young people's lives.

Cook said he also believes life consists of more than basketball. He wants to be a winner on the court by showing a Christ-like attitude to fans on and off the court by being a good example to fellow students. He said he has heard MBC students suggest that the Ambassador players are at the college for the game alone. He said he is frustrated by the stereotype placed on basketball players. "I can't wait to prove them wrong," he said.