Rice's Wittmayer Ready for Bigger Role
HOUSTON, TX -- Melissa Wittmayer did not play a lot of minutes last season for the Rice Owls; however, the 6'3" sophomore center from Longview, TX, did finish second on the team in blocked shots. Wittmayer hopes to have a bigger role on the team in 2008 - 2009.
I spoke with Melissa after a recent basketball practice.
Sophomore post Melissa Wittmayer (“smart like witty and bologna like Oscar Mayer”)
I understand you had a knee problem a few weeks ago. How are you feeling?
“In one of the practices, I kind of tweaked my knee a little bit. I think they said it was a sprain or a bone bruise. It took a while before it healed enough so I could do everything. Now, it doesn’t hurt at all. We were really happy the MRI should there are no problems at all. No surgery or anything. I’m all good. I’m good.”
What’s different between this season and last season for you?
“I think I’ve gotten a lot more confidence. Freshman year, I came in and I was really, really nervous. I let the anxiety get to me. I think I’m in a lot better shape. The weights and the conditioning that we did in the preseason really prepared me a lot for practice. I don’t feel like I’m about to do in practice. I feel like I can do more stuff; I can be more a part of things. I’m better mentally and physically.”
Have you gotten stronger? Are you lifting more weight than you did last year?
“I am stronger. My legs have gotten a lot stronger. My arms are getting there. You can’t really tell (laughing) honestly. But, I’m a lot stronger than when I came here last season. I’m probably four times stronger than I was before. We have a new weight coach; and, he seems to know what he’s doing; so, hopefully, I’ll get a lot stronger. My whole body is aching for the work.”
What’s going to be your role on the team this season?
“That’s a hard question. Last year, since we had so many posts; and, we had Val (Valeriya Berezhynska) who was kind of like a power post. I felt like I was more of a cheerleader; but, this year, I feel like I’ll be in the games more. I’m trying to improve my offense and contribute that way; but, defensively, that’s where I hope to contribute the most with rebounds and blocks.”
Describe the style of play for the team this season.
“The way it looks there’s going to be a lot of movement. That’s what we’ve worked on in practice. We’ve had a lot a conditioning -- a lot harder conditioning this year than last year; we’re in much better shape. I feel like we’re going to be quick and we’re going to move a lot.
The Owls will officially open the "House of Tudor" this Friday evening, November 14, versus Cal State Northridge. Tip is set for 7 p.m.
I spoke with Melissa after a recent basketball practice.
Sophomore post Melissa Wittmayer (“smart like witty and bologna like Oscar Mayer”)
I understand you had a knee problem a few weeks ago. How are you feeling?
“In one of the practices, I kind of tweaked my knee a little bit. I think they said it was a sprain or a bone bruise. It took a while before it healed enough so I could do everything. Now, it doesn’t hurt at all. We were really happy the MRI should there are no problems at all. No surgery or anything. I’m all good. I’m good.”
What’s different between this season and last season for you?
“I think I’ve gotten a lot more confidence. Freshman year, I came in and I was really, really nervous. I let the anxiety get to me. I think I’m in a lot better shape. The weights and the conditioning that we did in the preseason really prepared me a lot for practice. I don’t feel like I’m about to do in practice. I feel like I can do more stuff; I can be more a part of things. I’m better mentally and physically.”
Have you gotten stronger? Are you lifting more weight than you did last year?
“I am stronger. My legs have gotten a lot stronger. My arms are getting there. You can’t really tell (laughing) honestly. But, I’m a lot stronger than when I came here last season. I’m probably four times stronger than I was before. We have a new weight coach; and, he seems to know what he’s doing; so, hopefully, I’ll get a lot stronger. My whole body is aching for the work.”
What’s going to be your role on the team this season?
“That’s a hard question. Last year, since we had so many posts; and, we had Val (Valeriya Berezhynska) who was kind of like a power post. I felt like I was more of a cheerleader; but, this year, I feel like I’ll be in the games more. I’m trying to improve my offense and contribute that way; but, defensively, that’s where I hope to contribute the most with rebounds and blocks.”
Describe the style of play for the team this season.
“The way it looks there’s going to be a lot of movement. That’s what we’ve worked on in practice. We’ve had a lot a conditioning -- a lot harder conditioning this year than last year; we’re in much better shape. I feel like we’re going to be quick and we’re going to move a lot.
The Owls will officially open the "House of Tudor" this Friday evening, November 14, versus Cal State Northridge. Tip is set for 7 p.m.
posted by Kris G @ 9:27 AM
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