Springfield, Ohio – For the second time in four years, the Wittenberg University’s men’s basketball program will participate in a preseason training trip to Canada. The Tigers are scheduled to play four games over their annual Fall Break weekend from Saturday, Oct. 18, and Tuesday, Oct. 21, in four different Ontario cities. 

The Tigers will play exhibition games against Guelph University on Saturday, Oct. 18, Lambton University on Sunday, Oct. 19, York University on Monday, Oct. 20, and the University of Windsor on Tuesday, Oct. 21. Along the way, Head Coach Bill Brown plans to make sure his student-athletes take advantage of as many educational opportunities as possible. 

“Though Ontario is not a great distance away, there will most definitely still be a different cultural feel for the players to observe,” said Brown, who has a record of 459-139 in 20 seasons leading his alma mater’s famed men’s basketball program. “That should be particularly true in Toronto, where we will spend most of our time. Of course, the team-building aspect and outside competition we will be afforded should both pay big dividends for us as we prepare for the 2014-15 season.” 

The NCAA Division III program with the most wins, tournament appearances, and Final Four appearances in history enters the season with high hopes after finishing 21-8 overall a year ago. Eight letterwinners return to the line-up, led by senior wing Sam Collins (Cleveland Heights, Ohio/Cleveland Heights), the team’s lone returning starter. 

The Tigers are scheduled to open the 2014-15 season at North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) rival Oberlin College at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15. The home opener takes place six games into the 2014-15 season as another NCAC rival, Wabash, tips off with Wittenberg at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, in Pam Evans Smith Arena.

Written By: Ryan Maurer