ëGet after ití was inspiration
that paved way for MIlaca
Posted 3/21/03

"Get after it."

That was the inspirational motto Milacaís boys basketball team took to heart this season.

"I was sitting around the house a few weeks before practice, trying to think of something we could use as an inspiration...something we could use to help us be successful," said Milaca Head Coach Jeff Meyer.

"I came up with ëget after ití and the players and coaches really took to it. We tried to apply it to everything....practice, playing defense, running our offense, diving after the ball."

And, it worked. The Wolves carried a 20-6 record and sub-section and section titles into Tuesdayís first-round Class AA State Tournament game against Litchfield.

Following is what Meyer, whoís in his fourth season as head coach, had to say about his players, assistant coaches and team managers:

ïNo. 3, Senior Tim Veurink. "Tim is one of our seniors and a team captain. Tim is expected to be the general out on the floor and is responsible for being a leader. Tim has taken the roll of shutting down the opponentís top perimeter player and takes it upon himself to be one of our top scorers. With a very quick step, Tim can create offense for himself, or set up one of his teammates."

ïNo. 4, Daren Koppendrayer. "Daren is one of our starting guards. He is the guy we use to really frustrate the opponent. Daren has a great sense for the ball on defense and is one of the, if not the, best at taking away the passing lanes. Daren also has great ability driving to the basket and looking for the open teammate."

ïNo. 10, Junior Jeremie Wallin. "Jeremie was the starting point guard for our JV team this season. He has really improved his three-point shot and his ball handling skills over the past year. His hard work and will to succeed is second to none."

ïNo. 20, Senior Cory Bemis. "Cory is another one of our seniors. Cory is one of the most improved players from last season to this season. Although his minutes have not been there, Coryís dedication to his team is something very special. He works as hard as he can to make his teammates better."

ïNo. 22, Junior Josh Pat-node. "Josh was a starting guard on this yearís JV team. Josh made tremendous progress over the course of the season and is without a doubt the most improved player over the course of the season."

ïNo. 24, Junior Darrell Nelson. "Darrell played a majority of the season on the JV. With quick feet and great jumping ability, Darrell is becoming a shot blocking specialist. He has also done a great job giving Eric spot minutes at different times of the season."

ïNo. 30, Sophomore Dustin Krotzer. Dustin played on the JV team this season. He worked hard every day and is developing into a very good post player. His footwork and fundamentals have improved tremendously the past two seasons."

ïNo. 32, Sophomore Jon Moorlag. "Jon has made great strides with his defense over the course of the season. He has been able to hit some big three-point shots for us and runs the floor well. His dedication and commitment to this basketball team is never questioned, due to the hundreds of shots he takes every day."

ïNo. 34, Sophomore Cody Pearson. "Cody is our Mr. Everything. He will be the one to get after a loose ball, grab an important rebound, or take a charge in a close ball game. Cody also does a lot of things you canít see in the stats. He is a great defender and is often asked to stop the opponentís best player."

ïNo. 40, Junior Mike Bekius. "Mike played most of his minutes on JV. He has established himself as a consistent three-point shooter, but has also played the game to a high level of intensity. Mike is a very hard worker and pushes his teammates to the highest level."

ïNo. 42, Sophomore Randy Hjort. "Randy spent most of the season on our JV team. Randy has a great intensity for the game of basketball and the desire to succeed. Last summer, Randy completed our 10,000 shot club and continued to work hard on his shooting throughout the season."

ïNo. 44, Senior Jon Matthews. "Jon is one of our senior leaders. He is the rock of the team. He always shows composure and has a calming attitude on the floor. Jon will take whatever role necessary for the team to succeed. With his ability to shoot from outside or post up inside, opponents often have a difficult time preparing for him."

ïNo. 50, Sophomore Adam Ruis. "Adam set a goal for himself to be our point guard. As a sophomore he has taken much of the responsibility of bringing the ball up the court. He displays a great sense for the game and is the ultimate team player. Adam also is known for making some good-looking assists."

ïNo. 52, Senior Dustin Naumann. "Dustin is one of our seniors. After missing his junior season because of injury, Dustin came into this season focused and willing to do whatever necessary to help the team. Dustin is also the guy who keeps the team loose with his wit and humor."

ïNo. 54, Senior Eric Bergstrom. "Eric is one of our seniors. Eric has worked very hard the last year to improve his game. Eric is looked upon to be our leader in the post and is not only expected to score, but is expected to assist his teammates, defend smaller players and block some shots. Eric will be playing basketball for Division I Indiana-Purdue at Fort Wayne next season."

ïManager, Senior Quinn Rhoda. "This is Quinnís first year as manager. Quinn is expected to gather stats and do our score book on away trips. He fits in really well with the players and coaches and has been a joy to have on the team this season. He does a fabulous job."

ïManager, Junior Matt Hoeck. "Matt has been our video specialist for three seasons now. He is expected to collect gear for away games and get the bench ready for home games. Itís always nice to know we have someone to videotape our games each year. He does a great job."

ïManager, Senior Steph Rodin. "Steph has been a manager for three seasons. She is asked to do many different things, including team book, stats, and shooting chart. She has been committed to Milaca boys basketball and has done a tremendous job."

ïCoach Dave Leom. "Dave has been an assistant coach in the boys program for seven years, four as JV. Dave brings a wide range of basketball knowledge to the team, is very good putting together scouting reports and reading defenses. Basically, if I have a question, Dave will have an answer. Dave led our JV team this year to a very successful season, winning their last seven games."

ïCoach Cory Anderson. "Cory has been an assistant coach in the boys program for seven years, four as ninth grade. Cory brings intensity to the program. He offers a wide variety of strategies and practice drills to use to keep players intense. Cory does a tremendous job with our ninth grade program, teaching the game of basketball."

ïCoach Don Moorlag. "Don has been an assistant for many years. Previously our eighth grade coach, Don volunteered his time this season to help the varsity. Don is very dedicated and committed to the basketball program. As a volunteer coach, Don attended every meeting, game, and practice. The time he spent with the program helping and teaching is truly amazing."

ïHonorary manager, Brian Hoeck. "Brian has been a fan of Milaca athletics for a long time. He spends numerous hours in our gyms during the winter supporting our players. Brian also helps out with manager duties when needed. The team really appreciates his support."