COACH YOUNG WILL RETURN TO WOFFORD AFTER INTERVIEWING WITH COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON —

After a successful season that included a SOCON championship and a trip to the NCAA tournament, the Wofford Men’s basketball team had an interesting offseason.

Head Coach Mike Young interviewed with the College of Charleston for their head coaching position. Young was one of two finalists for the job when he ultimately removed his name from consideration. Young said that his reasons for remaining at Wofford were numerous.

“I love Spartanburg,” Young said, “I’ve completely bought into this college 25 years of coaching here is a lot of blood sweat and tears and I have a lot of dear friends here.”

Senior Forward Lee Skinner said he was confident Coach Young would return.

“The team and I were pretty nervous, but [Coach Young] has been here 25 years and he has turned jobs down before.”

Young says that College of Charleston’s interest was an affirmation of the success that the Wofford program has had.

“With the success that we’ve had people will make contact,” Young says. “That means people recognize what we are doing here and they want to tap into that in some way.”

Skinner and Young agreed that the potential of this year’s Wofford team was a factor in Young’s decision.

“I’ve got a better situation here at Wofford” says Young. “This team and the possibilities and things this team could enjoy – that certainly was a consideration.”

Skinner agrees.

“That was the main reason we thought he would be back,” Skinner says. “This team has as much potential as any team that has been at this school.”

Wofford returns all but two players from last year’s Southern Conference Championship team. The team also added four freshmen and one transfer. Skinner is confident in the newcomers.

“They are absorbing every bit of knowledge, and they worked really hard preparing for our trip to Costa Rica. They could have a big impact this year.”

The team took a trip to Costa Rica in early August, which allowed them to practice together.

“It allowed us to bring this team together for two weeks,” Young says. “ It allowed us to bring in three newcomers and give them a taste of what’s to come.”

Skinner says the team really enjoyed the opportunity.

“It was a great experience. We all got to experience life outside the U.S.”

The Terriers played two scrimmages against Costa Rican teams, went zip lining and visited the rain forest.

“Our group was awesome, “ Skinner says. “The trip wouldn’t have really mattered as much with another group.”

The trip also gave the team a chance to practice with Ryan Sawvell, a junior transfer from Evansville University. Sawvell will not be eligible in the coming year due to NCAA transfer rules. Skinner still says that Sawvell will play an important role in the team this year.

“He will be able to be in between coaches and players,” Skinner says. “At the same time, he’s learning what we have going on for when he is eligible.”

Along with Skinner, seniors Karl Cochran and John Swinton will lead the team.

“I can’t say enough about those guys,” Skinner says. “ I think about it often. We came in with seven and we are the last three in our class. This is our last lap and we are going to give it all we’ve got.”

Young says that the team won’t let their potential keep them from working hard.

“We will handle this season as we always have, we will under sell and over serve. Our mind right now is on our game with Stanford.”