MURFREESBORO - Both the men's and women's basketball programs have dusted off the hardcourts of the Helms Center in preparation for the 2009-10 season as October 15th marks the first official day of practice for both squads. Each team will spend the next four weeks preparing for their season openers in their inaugural seasons playing in the basketball-storied CIAA. 

The Hawks hit CIAA competition right out of the gates as they open the season on November 16th with three home league doubleheaders (men's and women's). Chowan will host Virginia State University to open the season at the Helms Center with the women set to play at 5:30pm followed by the men at 7:30pm. 

Sixth year Head Coach Patrick Mashuda will lead his women's program on the court today for the first time as a team. Mashuda lost three starters from a year ago but returns two and signed a solid class. He is, along with his team, is eager to start today. "Obviously October 15th every year is an exciting time for our staff and for our players," said Mashuda. 

"We are looking forward to getting the year started. Although it's exciting for us to play in the CIAA, it comes with some major challenges," continued Mashuda. Mashuda and the women's program was picked 6th in the CIAA Western Division out of six teams in the preseason polls. "We look forward to getting together as a team and working together on the challenge of winning some games this year."

The men start practice today and do so with nine returning players, including all five starters from a year ago. "This is a hungry, yet humble group," stated 8th year Head Coach Jim Tribbett. "This group of players has outstanding leadership, from our seniors down to our sophomore class," continued Tribbett.

Tribbett's Hawks were also picked 6th in the CIAA Western Division in the preseason polls and so with that pick, come some basic challenges. "We had a healthy, solid preseason conditioning program that will help us get this season going," said Tribbett. 

A complete schedule of this year's opponents can be found at the 'schedule and results' link on the CU Hawks athletics website (www.gocuhawks.com).