Eligibility Or Not, Here's Your Chance To

UNTLifer · October 29, 2003

Team seeks tall, experienced men

Lindsey Parks

Daily Reporter

October 29, 2003

The Lady Eagles are spreading their wings in basketball practices and competitions by recruiting men to oppose them on a scrimmage team.

Assistant coach Scott Stoehr is looking for men to join this year's "Dream Team," a squad formed to scrimmage against and help prepare the Lady Eagles for future opponents.

"Every day at practices you see the same faces," Stoehr said. "We bring in new faces, and you get better competition."

The men who volunteer to scrimmage must meet the same NCAA eligibility requirements as the Lady Eagles: They must be full-time students, pass physical examinations and be accepted through the NCAA Clearinghouse.

To that list, the Lady Eagles have added one more requirement. "We want guys who are good -- but not too good," head coach Tina Slinker said. "We want guys who can give a good competition." Dependability, responsibility and loyalty are also top priorities, Stoehr said.

The downside of playing against the women is that the men will do so as volunteers. They won't receive any compensation, not even a free T-shirt.

However, there is an upside, Stoehr said.

"It's an opportunity for structured play," Stoehr said. "It's a good workout and, at least, a chance to be around an organized program."

Those selected would be playing against one of the top women's basketball teams in the Sun Belt. The team has managed three conference division championships in the past five years. Right now the men's scrimmage team has seven members but is looking for a total of 12 to make a full squad.

The Lady Eagles are determined to further develop a competitive edge. Over the past four seasons, the team has posted a 47-10 home record.

The team begins exhibition play with a match slated for Nov. 6 against the Houston Jaguars.

For information on how to volunteer, contact Stoehr at (940) 565-2947.