The men's basketball team started its season with an impressive defeat of Bethel College, 75-39 - and that was only an exhibition game.
Head Coach Matt Brown has been leading the men's basketball team at UMKC for two years. He came to UMKC after five years as an assistant coach at West Virginia University.
But he was ready to move up in his field.
"They offered me the opportunity to become the next head coach here," Brown said.
The move, however, was a "family affair" that also took commitment from his wife and six children.
"My wife and my children have sacrificed a lot for me to be in this career," Brown said. "I'm thankful for their support. … You can usually see them all at the games, wearing UMKC shirts."
He has 13 years of assistant coaching experience at various universities.
He started his coaching career at Shippensburg University (Pennsylvania), where he also received his bachelor's degree in History. The men's basketball team there, the Raiders, are Division-II Champions.
Since he started at UMKC, he has seen great improvements in the team. He expects the Roos to be even stronger in their leadership and strength conditioning this season.
"We have three team captains," Brown said. "And the conditioning has been tremendous this last year with the addition of Coach [Trumain] Carroll - he's done a great job."
He also believes the number of home games this year will help the team.
"There's five opportunities to play on campus," Brown said. "I think that will be very beneficial - it's where we practice every day."
And students will be more likely to come support them, he added.
"Hopefully, there will be 1,800 people here screaming and yelling for their friends," Brown said.
Their first season game was Nov. 14 at home against Truman State University, and Brown was looking forward to it.
"We've been practicing and beating up on each other for the last couple weeks," Brown said. "They've been working hard. I'm hoping we'll win the game - obviously, it's the ultimate goal. I'm sure there'll be some butterflies since it's the first one."
But?Brown's?interests aren't all sports. He has always been active in church. If he weren't a coach, he would be a youth pastor.
"I have a large family - I have six children," Brown said. "You know … [I'd like] to provide another alternative besides what there is for young people growing up."
With four home games to go, students will definitely have the opportunity to come out and cheer for the Roos this season.
For the complete schedule, visit www. umkckangaroos.com.
mcowan@unews.com
