OGDEN -- It's definitely a loaded schedule.
Weber State released its 2010-11 men's basketball schedule on Tuesday, and it includes four difficult in-state games, an appearance in the Great Alaska Shootout, a first-ever meeting with the University of Tulsa, an appearance in the "Bracket Buster" and the always tough Big Sky Conference schedule.
WSU opens the season on Nov. 13 at Utah State.
"We are excited about our schedule", said head coach Randy Rahe. "As always we try to play as many challenging and competitive non-league games as possible and this year is no exception. Unlike other teams in the Big Sky, we have a built-in schedule within our state which is as difficult as any team has out here in the West. BYU and Utah State both won their league last year and went to the NCAA Tournament, and we get to open the year at USU. Utah and Southern Utah are both vastly improved this season as well."
But the rest of the non-league schedule is pretty difficult as well.
"We have the opportunity to possibly face Arizona State and St. John's in the Great Alaska Shootout, if we can get by the host team, Alaska-Anchorage," Rahe said. "They are always a strong contender each year at the NCAA Division II level. All of these teams, though, really prepares us for the Big Sky schedule. The Big Sky will be much stronger, top to bottom, this season."
The Wildcats will play at Conference USA member, Tulsa, on December 16 in a first-ever meeting between the two schools. On February 19 the Wildcats, along with the rest of the teams in the Big Sky, will appear in a "Bracket Buster" game. The site and teams for that date won't be announced until late January.
The Wildcats face a tough task in Big Sky Conference play, with five of their first seven games coming on the road. That task begins with the always tough trip to the state of Montana. On Dec. 29 the Wildcats open at Montana State, followed by the much-awaited rematch with the University of Montana coming on New Year's Eve (Dec. 31) in Missoula.
Those two teams squared off in the Big Sky tournament championship game with Montana overcoming a 20-point deficit in the second half to win.
Rahe also announced two changes in his staff.
Phil Beckner, who has served as the Director of Basketball Operations for the past two seasons, has been elevated to a full time assistant coach replacing Charles Harral. Rahe also announced that Chris Gold has come on board as the new Director of Basketball Operations.
"Coach Beckner has done an outstanding job within our basketball program, and I am excited about his now increased responsibilities," said Rahe. "I know he will continue to play an integral role in the success of our program. He has worked extremely hard to put himself into this position and he's always represented our program in a positive manner. Phil has a terrific future in the coaching profession. Chris brings a tremendous work ethic to our program. He is highly motivated and brings a positive attitude to work each day. He is a great addition to our program."
Beckner came to Weber State in the Summer of 2008. A native of Buckeye, Ariz., he attended Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, Kansas, where he played four years on the men's basketball team. Gold, a native of Denver, Colo., graduated from Regis High School and also attended Kansas Wesleyan University where he played four years as a point guard.
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