Issued: November 20, 2002

BLUGOLDS TO KICK OF SEASON AT TIP-OFF TOURNAMENT

EAU CLAIRE - The UW-Eau Claire men's basketball team will host the Tip-Off Tournament this weekend at the W.L. Zorn Arena. The four teams included in the tournament are Eau Claire, Cornell College of Iowa, Northland College, and St. Olaf College of Minnesota. All four teams will begin their seasons at the Tip-Off Tournament.

Eau Claire looks to win the tournament for the 23rd time in 25 years. Their only losses in tournament history were championship losses to Dakota Wesleyan in 1998 and Augsburg College last year. Eau Claire likes its chances this year as they did not lose a single starter from a year ago.

Cornell College returns four starters from the 2001-2002 season. Along with the experience of last seasons starters, Cornell will also feature seven incoming freshman looking to contribute early. Head coach Ed Timm believes his team's interior will be as strong as anybody's.

Northland College is looking to turn things around from a two win season last year. First year head coach Kurt Soderberg will focus primarily on defense. In order to do that he will look to develop a team attitude with great toughness and maturity.

Experience is definitely a strength for St. Olaf this season as they return four players who have contributed significantly to the team in the past. Head coach Dan Kosmoski feels the key to this season's success will be at the guard position. He is looking for someone to step up at the perimeter for his team.

The first game of the tournament will pit Northland against St. Olaf at 6:00 Friday night while Eau Claire will face Cornell at 8:00 Friday night. The tournament will conclude Saturday evening with the consolation game at 6:00 and the championship game at 8:00. All games will be held at the W.L. Zorn Arena.