Garmroth & Braves: Looking both forward and back for answers

By Brad Ciociola
Staff Writer

With two games remaining on the schedule for the Braves, head coach Bryan Garmroth is weighing the successes of this year and looking towards next. Coming off of a depressing 0-28 season last year the Braves are 3-21 this time around. Looking back, Garmroth believes that the season, while not a complete success, is an improvement over last year. “It is an improvement, we’ve competed this year where last year we didn’t,” said Garmroth.

The season has been a learning experience for the Braves. Garmroth says the team has gotten better at competing but still needs to learn how to win. He also believes players have gotten better individually and have matured well.

Last year the Braves had an average scoring margin of 20.7. This year that number is down nearly five points to –15.8, as well, the Braves have lost 5 games by 10 points or less. The Braves have only 8 men on the roster. With more men to come off the bench Garmroth believes that things could have been different. “This year we haven’t had the depth - we could have been closer to a .500 team,” Garmroth said.

For Garmroth, recruitment is one of the most important aspects of the Braves future.

“We have to get the right guys that want to compete and work, Garmroth said. “Getting the people who have the focus and desire is key.”

As for next season the Braves are recruiting players they really like. However, leading scorer and senior Damien Goodman will not be there. Goodman has averaged 16 points per game this season. Goodman will be the only graduating Brave. Junior Travis Wallace who has averaged 12.5 points per game will take the reins of leadership for the Braves. The team will also be gaining two players who red shirted this season. Steven Edwards will bring a 6 foot 6 presence and Arnie Danielson, 6 foot 5, is a good inside and outside scorer.

Coach Garmroth believes the Braves will continue to improve in the 2004-05 season.

“We’ll be older and more mature. The leadership from our returning players will show. We just have to learn how to win,” Garmroth said.

The Braves had a less than enjoyable Homecoming Game Saturday with a 99-64 loss to Kennesaw State (24-4, 14-0 PBC). The Braves ran with the Owls early on but could not keep up the pace. The Owls took the lead at 12:59 in the first half and never again relinquished it. Travis Wallace led the Braves with 19 points and Damien Goodman added 14 in the defeat.