Varsity Preview Tips Off Saturday

PROVO -- Cougar fans can get a look at the 2001-02 BYU men's basketball team Saturday at the annual Varsity Preview sponsored by the Cougar Club. KSL Radio's Greg Wrubell will emcee the event, which starts at 7 p.m. in the Marriott Center.

The Varsity Preview will include a full 40-minute intrasquad game and a three-point shooting contest at halftime. Coach Steve Cleveland's team includes seven players from last year's Mountain West Conference championship team and eight new additions. Among the newcomers on this year's team is 1999 WAC Freshman of the Year Mark Bigelow, who was the BYU's leading scorer and rebounder before leaving on a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

"We look forward to this event every year," BYU Cougar Club Executive Director Mike Middleton said. "This is a fun evening for many youth groups in our community and it gives Cougar Club members and other Cougar fans the opportunity to meet this year's basketball team. Team posters will be given away and can be autographed afterward by the players."

This Varsity Preview is free to all season ticket holders and BYU students with student ID. Youth groups can also attend the event free of admission. Local religious and community youth leaders can contact the Cougar Club to obtain the required passes for their youth groups (ages 12-18). General admission tickets for the Preview cost $2.

Mad Dog Cycles has donated a bike that a lucky Cougar Club member will win at the Preview. Club members who would like to enter the free throw contest to win the bike should call the Cougar Club at 801-378-2583. Five Cougar Club members will be randomly selected to participate.

The 2001-02 BYU team poster will be distributed after the Preview. BYU players will remain after the event to sign autographs.