Vermont Cynic

Issue date: 10/30/06 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Ike Messmore Cieplicki(white) passes around McIntosh (40) during the Cat Tip-Off

After exceeding expectations by reaching the America East Championship Game with the nation's youngest roster last season, this year's University of Vermont men's basketball team looks to ride that wave of unexpected success into the NCAA tournament.

Second year head coach Mike Lonergan, with all five starters returning from last year's 13-17 squad, hopes that with the combination of a tougher schedule and the leadership of co-captains Martin Klimes and Kyle Cieplicki, this year's Catamount squad is primed for a breakout season.

"We are looking forward to the upcoming season," said Lonergan. "We return all five starters along with other key returnees. After leading the America East in field goal percentage defense last season, we hope to continue to be a strong defensive team. The offense should be improved this year with a more experienced team and a good group of freshman added to the mix."

Lonergan has been a perennial winner at all levels of collegiate competition. During his 12-year head coaching tenure at Catholic University, Lonergran compiled a 251-88 (.740) record. With coaching stops at Colgate University and American International College along the way, as well as a year behind the bench with Greg Williams at Maryland, Lonergan has experience at all levels of NCAA play.

"I've seen everything," Lonergan said. "I've seen it where you're paid a heck of a lot of money and you're riding charter airplanes and I've seen Division III where I drive a van."

Lonergan could not be happier to bring his experience to UVM.

"This is a good level for me because you are dealing with true student athletes, but you are at a nice level where hopefully you can compete sometimes with the big boys."

The emphasis this year is on competing with the big boys. Lonergan's squad will compete in the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic at Maryland, travel to Boston College and Michigan State as well as hosting Drexel and Iona.

Lonergan hopes that facing such formidable opponents will give the Cats some much needed experience, prepare them for tournament play, and toughen up their character.

"I think to be the best you have to play the best," Lonergran said.

This year Lonergan will rely heavily on the performance and leadership of Klimes and Cieplicki.

Continued...

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