UMBC working to erase memory of 2010
UMBC is several months away from the start of the 2011 season, but the memory of last year’s 4-9 record still resonates within the program.
"I think that’s a strong motivating force behind everyone involved in the program – players, coaches, support staff," said coach Don Zimmerman, who shared his thoughts after the announcement that the Retrievers would meet Johns Hopkins in the Konica Minolta Face-Off Classic on Saturday, March 12. "It’s a new year, and we want to have a good one."
Last season’s results were a cruel blow to a proud school that had qualified for four consecutive NCAA Tournaments prior to 2010. Questions in the cage, ineffectiveness from the offense and lack of depth troubled the team.
Still, Zimmerman is optimistic that the tide could turn. Although graduation sapped the squad of some of its most experienced players, Zimmerman welcomes a youth movement highlighted by the presence of 31 freshmen and sophomores among the 39 players this fall.
Zimmerman said the influx of new personnel brings competition at every position.
"Pretty much every position is up for grabs," he said. "That’s our approach going into the fall. There are no gimmes. Every position is up for grabs, and we’re going to be watching to see who steps up and seizes the moment."
