Aug. 19, 2006

KENNESAW, Ga. - The Owls began the season a bit earlier than usual as head coach Tony Ingle and his youthful squad hit the hardwood for their first practice Friday morning as the team is preparing for two games in the Bahamas over Labor Day weekend.

The practice was the first of ten practice days, which the Owls have to prepare for the preseason exhibition trip hosted by the Bahamas Basketball Federation and Basketball Travelers Inc. The trip features games against a pair of local teams, the Real Deal Shockers and the ERA Wolverines.

Kennesaw State will play the Wolverines on Friday, September 1 at 7:00 p.m. before playing the Shockers on Saturday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. Joining the Owls in the Bahamas will be Atlantic Coast Conference power Wake Forest and Conference USA's Alabama-Birmingham.

"The 10 days of practice we get with our new squad should be beneficial, said Ingle on his early season schedule."

Both the Shockers and the Wolverines are members of the Bahamian Basketball Federation and have enjoyed recent success. The Shockers won the league's Division title in 2005 while the Wolverines captured the Division II championship.

The Owls will debut their 2006-07 team that features eight freshman and 11 newcomers. Four starters return from last season, Golden Ingle, Ronell Wooten, Brent Ragsdale and Atlantic Sun Conference freshman of the Year Andre Morgan. Three redshirt players from last year, Shuan Stegall, Marvin Listenbee and Zach Berry will also be in uniform.

"Everyone is extremely excited about getting back on the court," added the Owls winningest coach. "Plus, getting to play games in the Bahamas will make things even better."

Last season, the holiday-weekend event featured North Carolina, Marshall and Troy. Over the past five years Alabama, Xavier, Portland and the NIT All-Stars have all played on the island.

Kennesaw State opens up the regular season on November 11, when the Owls host Western Kentucky at the KSU Convocation Center.