April 1978 Page7 Young team matures “Thad a lot of pleasure this year just watching the players mature. We knew OS rere they were a fine group of athletes, but they became an outstanding basketball team as well during the course of the > season.”’ Weber wee State coach Neil McCarthy’s sentiments could be equally shared by the Wildcat fans during the past season. o™ SAL. Mee, The youngest team in the school’s history has turned out to be one of the best. And while the accomplishments of this year’s squad are interesting to examine, most Wildcat fans are looking ahead to next season when the complete team, minus one, will return. The recently-concluded season had many highlights. The team moved from cramped Wildcat Gym to the Dee Events Center, one of the finest basketball facilities in the nation. A corresponding THE MOVE from tiny Wildcat Gym into the beautiful new Dee Events Center resulted in new attendance ecords for the school and the conference. increase in attendance followed, with the pressure being marks of the squad. “We did a lot of things wrong, especially early in the year,’’ Coach McCarthy said. ‘“‘We really came of age later on, though. After losing our only home game of the season, the two-point The team, picked for a fourth-place finish in the conference, came in third during the regular season play, but won both Tournament games to earn the Big Sky Conference championship and represent the loop in the NCAA Tournament. It was the seventh time in the school’s history that they have made an appearance pionship. in the Although post-season they cham- fell in the opening game, the competition was fierce (Arkansas went on to the final four) and the young ’Cats gained more valuable experience. The 1978 Wildeats were young and lacked depth. A total of just 10 players finished out the season. Of the starting five, four were sophomores and one was a junior. Captain of the team was Mark Mattos, a sophomore. The early season was a typical sophomore year—with Medite overtime to Montana, —>— - from this Peterson OVERALL year’s GAME team. Only guard loss off the squad Dennis Green. Green, 1979 John 4 RECORDS: SOPHOMORE BRUCE COLLINS takes off for a patented slam dunk. E QA Mian /\LUMIN ODGE is reserve a senior, was playing his first year at Weber State rranean — Season: 19 wins, 10 losses; Conference: 11 wins, 5 losses; Home Court: 14 wins, 1 loss; Away: 5 wins, 9 losses; Neutral: 1 win, 1 loss. throw percentage records established last year. The ’Cats finished the year as the number 12 team in the national statistics in free throw percentage. Plan to visit Southern California this summer! Now This the offer is tor the benefit summer We are again offering low rates this year for eucsts staying at the Alumni Lodge $7.95 per person per day, If you stay a week, you will only be charged for six days Phin to see Southern Califomia our way! Stay Tie Alumni Lodge. Now you ean afford it Association of Weber State College By using the facility you're within thirty-five minutes of Disneyland. Knott's Berry Farm, and Lion Country Safari. Los Angeles, mountuins, beaches and the desert are within forty-five minutes You'll, stay in new wecommodations featuring private suites, swimming, sauns, volleybull, tennis and laundry facilities, Golfing in fumous Palm Springs is nearby, A trained professional staff will cater to your every need information, travel contact and enjoyment State College your Alumni alumni and Weber makes it possible. You'll stay in The Alumni Lodge and have Southern California at your fingertips needs, the friends, For Alumni —- Yomona, wi In the heart of Southern California (Route £2 VISIT: GREECE, TURKEY, ISRAEL, EGYPT Talen Ser 4 hoa For Information Contact: | WEBER STATE COLLEGE ALUMNI OFFICE 399-5941 Ext. 346 e ut 399-S941. extension 346 per person 2 weeks-between ports on a cruise ship in the Beaut iful Mediterranean ol to sery additional Office Approximate Cost aad —-_* ——— -== ° 1600 we Back next year will be the entire starting team, plus: the top two reserves shooting, breaking field goal and free RING . that strong.” The team turned in a creditable 19-10 record with a schedule that included severally nationally-regarded teams. Besides the attendance records, the ’Catsalso established new marks in Cruise _- I think changed completely and finished very after redshirting last season. He was previously enrolled at Idaho State University. gf inconsistency, mistakes, and reaction to records. 2 crowds setting Big Sky as well as school Sea World < hours San Drego in ——— tr Comment