Falcons Prepare for European Trip
7/24/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
July 24, 2003
The Air Force Academy men's basketball team conducted the first of nine practices today as the Falcons prepare for a 12-day, six-game excursion to Denmark and Sweden.
"This trip will be a great cultural experience for our players," said Air Force head coach Joe Scott. "And we get to play a little extra basketball as well."
The Falcons depart for Copenhagen, Denmark on Friday, Aug. 1, and will play SISU-Copenhagen on Monday, Aug. 4, the first of five games in five nights. The team takes a bus trip to Malmo, Sweden on Aug. 5 and will face Malmas that evening.
The Falcons play Horsholm BBC on Wednesday, Aug. 6 and Malbas again on Thursday, Aug. 7, before traveling to Goteborg, Sweden on Friday, Aug. 8 to play Hogsbo BBC. Air Force then travels to Aarhus, Denmark, on Sunday, Aug. 10 and will face Skovbakken on Monday, Aug. 11 before returning home on Tuesday, Aug. 12.
The NCAA allows schools to take a summer trip overseas once every four years. In addition to the games, the team is permitted by NCAA rules to practice for 10 days prior to the trip.
Senior co-captains Joel Gerlach and A.J. Kuhle lead the Falcons' 10-player roster. Junior Tim Keller is the other returning starter for the 2003-04 season. Scott hopes that this trip will be the beginning of productive seasons for all three players.
"Our returning starters need to set the tempo for the rest of the team," said Scott. "Hopefully this trip will serve as a team-building experience for all of our players and staff."
Travel and Game Schedule (Central European Time is eight hours later than Mountain Time)
Friday, August 1
Depart Denver
Saturday, August 2
Arrive at Copenhagen, Denmark, 1:30 p.m.
Monday, August 4
Game vs. SISU-Copenhagen, 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, August 5
Travel to Malmo, Sweden
Game vs. Malbas, 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 6
Game vs. Horsholm BBC, 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, August 7
Game vs. Malbas, 7:00 p.m.
Friday, August 8
Travel to Goteborg, Sweden
Game vs. Hogsbo BBC, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, August 10
Travel to Aarhus, Denmark (via boat)
Monday, August 11
Game vs. Skovbakken, 7:05 p.m.
Tuesday, August 12
Depart Copenhagen, Denmark
Arrive at DIA
