WHEELING, WV, Nov. 10, 2008 - Danny Sancomb, athletic director and head men's basketball coach and Erin McDonald, director of the Service for Social Action Center (SSAC), at Wheeling Jesuit University, are teaming up to kick-off the Cardinal men's basketball season at their first home game at 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 20 as the Cards take on the Clarion Golden Eagles.
Fans who arrive at the gate with a food donation will be admitted at a reduced cost, just $2.
"We are introducing the 2008 Cardinals at home with purpose," said Sancomb. "To celebrate a new season, and in the spirit of Thanksgiving, we are asking fans to come to meet the 2008-09 Cardinals and to bring a donation of food or money which will benefit Catholic Charities. Those who make gifts will receive discounted admission. This is a great opportunity to celebrate college basketball and to support a great organization in our community."
"Our teams are young, but talented," said Sancomb. "We have great hopes for this season. We have a refinished floor and a challenging Cardinal at center court.
We are ready for the season and we promise fans of college basketball that the Bird Cage will be an exciting place to be this winter. We look forward to everyone coming out to support the Cardinals."
(Coach Sancomb shown at right.)
"The conditions of our local and national economy have put pressure on many families in our community. Because of this our service office feels called to respond to those needs," said McDonald. “Supporting the Cardinals and supporting Catholic Charities is a great way for fans to serve their community and to enjoy quality college basketball.”
Sancomb describes his upcoming season as a “transitional year.” Last year he led the men's team to a 13-15 record and this season he is working with nine new faces and seven returning players. Coach Sancomb is assisted in his coaching efforts by fifth year Cardinal assistant Chad Dickman along with Jay Morris (4th year) and Ryan Kostur returning for his second round of coaching.
The Cardinal men play 14 home games this season. Other home games are:
7:30 p.m., Dec. 1, IUP
7:30 p.m. Dec. 15, Salem
8 p.m., Dec. 29, Pikeville
8 p.m., Dec. 30, Bellarmine
7:30 p.m., Jan. 15, Concord
4 p.m., Sat. Jan.17, Bluefield
7:30 p.m., Jan. 26, Davis & Elkins
4 p.m., Sat. Jan. 31, Fairmont State
7:30 p.m., Feb. 2, West Liberty
7:30 p.m. Feb. 9, Alderson-Broaddus
7:30 p.m. Feb. 12, Shepherd
4 p.m., Feb. 21, Ohio Valley
7:30 p.m., Feb. 23, Seton Hill
The Cardinal women open their home season at 6 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 15 as they go up against Lake Erie College in the WJU Tip-off Classic. The Lady Cards then meet the Tiffin University Dragons at 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16 in the second round of the Tip-Off.
The Lady Cards will play 13 home games this season and are coached by Joe Key, with 14 years of WJU coaching under his belt. Key is assisted by former Cardinal standout Katie Hines and veteran basketball coach Don Hustead. Six new players will be on the court this year with eight returning players and only one senior.
Besides the Tip-Off opener, the Ladies play the following home games:
5:30 p.m., Dec. 7, Mercyhurst
5:30 p.m., Dec. 11, Salem International
5:30 p.m., Jan. 15, Concord
6 p.m., Jan. 17, Bluefield
5:30 p.m., Jan. 26, Davis & Elkins
6 p.m., Jan. 31, Fairmont State
5:30 p.m., Feb. 2, West Liberty
5:30 p.m., Feb. 9, Alderson-Broaddus
5:30 p.m., Feb. 12, Shepherd
6 p.m., Feb. 21, Ohio Valley
5:30 p.m., Feb. 23, Seton Hill
All home games are played at the Alma Grace McDonough Center, located on the WJU campus.
All food donations will support Catholic Charities W.Va., which operates the Catholic Neighborhood Center on 18th Street, Wheeling.
Donation boxes for the food drive will be placed at each door. Regular admission, without the food donation is $5. For more information, call the WJU switchboard at 304-243-2000 or visit the Web site, www.wju.edu.
