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I PANTHER page 12 September 25, 1991 Vickerstaff Named Interim Basketball Coach By ANTHONY GEORGE HI SPORTS EDITOR After serving as an assistant at Clark Atlanta University for six years, coach Micheal Vickerstaff was announced Interim Head Coach of the men's basketball program July 9. "Coach Vickerstaff has proven leadership skills as a coach and a manager of basketball team activities," said Dr. Thomas Cole, CAU president. "We are pleased that he accepted the challenge to lead the men's basketball team." Vickerstaff said he has no problem with being named the interim coach. He understands that the university wants to make the best selection, and as as long as the program remains successful, he is sure that interim will be dropped from his title. Vickerstaff, who said he accepted the position in early June, first change was moving his desk in the office to a corner. Now in the center of the room, a large painting of a Panther with the motto inscribed, ’We’re On A Mission" captures your atttention when you enter . "Actually I changed the office around to create my own identity," said Vickerstaff. "I also think the room looks bigger this way. The painting on the wall symbolizes the direction of our team and that is to capture the S.I.A.C. (Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) crown, and also win the NCAA Division II championship." Aside from the changes in the office, Vickerstaff said there will be few changes to the current team. He expects to return 10 players from last season, and also run basically the same offensive and defensive schemes. ’We have a lot of veteran players who know the system well, so why change something that has proven to be successful," said Vickerstaff. "Last year the guys learned a new offense, and it v'as very effective. " If we hac. \ st a lot of players, I would have to come in and make a lot of changes. It would be foolish to change something that works. Eventually, there will be some changes that occur gradually to reflect my coaching style." Because CAU did not have a coach during the recruiting season, a lot of potential recruits did not choose CAU. Yet, Vickerstaff remains optimistic because of his returning players. He also cited that walk-ons and transfer students could fill the other two spots. Chris Carter, a transfer student, lead Bethune-Cookman in scoring last season. Vickerstaff said he expects him to help as the shooting guard. Also, freshman guard Terrence Clark from Swainsboro, Ga. is expected to gain experience behind guard's Argent Steele, Dalton Greene and Tito Parker. Martin Stars USBL, NBA Next By Anthony George m Sports Editor After enrolling into summer school to complete his graduation requirements, James Martin decided to play professional basketball and try out for Atlanta’s newest basketball team, the Eagles. Competing with over 60 players from major colleges and former professional players, Martin made the team. Although not the NBA, Martin signed his first professional contract making $300 a week, plus travel expenses, with the United States Basketball League. "It really helped me a lot by playing with the Eagles," Martin said. ""It gave me the publicity that I didn't get at CAU. It showed a lot of people that I could play" Although playing foiward for Clark Atlanta University, Eagle coach Charlie Criss moved Martin to guard, and by year's end, he played point guard. Martin went on to score a seasons best 28 points against Empire State, and in his last two games average 27.5 points. Martin finished the season averaging 16.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assist a game. "Switching to point was really not that much of a change because that’s what I played in high school," Martin said. "I just had to work out a little harder, and working with Criss also helped me make the adjustment." Currently, Martin is working out with the Atlanta Hawks. He said that his agent is trying to work out something with the Hawks. If not, he is committed to attend the Charlotte Hornets veteran camp Oct 2. PHOTO BY ANTHONY GEORGE HT James Martin hopes his next shot will be with a NBA team Vickerstaff will be the Panthers'first new basketball coach since 1978. IP5T(gwfi(SW By Anthony George III Sports Editor The Clark Atlanta University lady Panthers have a new coach, a new attitude, and a lot of new players as they start volleyball season Sept. 16, against Morris Brown. Regana Hill, first-year volleyball coach, replaced Valerie Belt- Jones this summer. Hill, a former basketball, softball and volleyball standout at Mercer University in Macon, said coaching the lady Panthers will be a great experience. 'This is my first time coaching at a collegiate level, which is something I always wanted to do," Hill said. "I want our team to be a major competitor in the S.I.A.C. (Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) and the NCAA Division II. If the young ladies play to their fullest potential, and play as a team, we will come out as winners." The lady Panthers, who finished 8-9 last season, returned only three players, and two seniors. The remainder of the team consist of walk-ons, mainly freshman. Yet, Hill remains optimistic about this season, and says some of her players have Olympic potential. "Rhonda Houston and Gwen Bryant are my only seniors and they are both captains," Hill said. 'They are very strong players with a lot of individual talent. "Our freshman also have a lot of talent. With the players I have, it would not be hard to conceive some participating in the 1996 Olympic. Some of our young ladies come from very successful programs in high school." Houston and Bryant also echoed the sentiments of their coach. "We are looking real good so far," Houston said. "I think we are going to have a good season. In addition to having good players, our coach really supports us." 'We definitely have started better than last season," Bryant said. "Although we have a young team, I think we will be very competitive and I'm looking forward to a successful season."