Mens Basketball

The men's basketball program released it's 2008-09 schedule today and the term "road warriors" seems to apply. The Tigers will play games in Florida, South Carolina, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan. The Tigers also hope to play games in Missouri this year as that is the location for the national tournament. This year, GBC plays one of the most difficult schedules in school history. For the first time, the Tigers will play a D-I school, The Citadel, in Charleston SC. Grace will also play D-II Ferris State University, and a number of D-III schools including Hope and Calvin. The Tigers also play many NAIA programs such as Cornerstone, Davenport, U of M Dearborn, Spring Arbor, and William Penn who set a school record for wins and was ranked as high as #6 in the NAIA polls last year. USCAA member, Taylor University/Fort Wayne is always in the mix for a national championship. Coach Gary Bailey likes the challenge of the schedule. "We have had some success in the NCCAA II over the past few years and I attribute that to playing the toughest competition we can every year. Our players are used to playing on the road and against bigger schools. When you reach the NCCAA II tournament, you are on the road and playing against the best. It is amazing at the requests we get for games every year. I think it shows the continued growth and respect for GBC." The Tigers will add one more game to the schedule. For game locations and times check out the full schedule.

The Tigers continued to strengthen their roster with the signing of 6'0" guard, Matt Kurtz from Lowell High School. Matt is a 1st Team All Conference selection in the tough OK White Conference, averaging 14.5 points a game. He was also voted Lowell's MVP this past season. Head Coach Gary Bailey had this to say..."Matt is an outstanding young man with great character. He already has a great jump on strength and conditioning for the next level. When we were recruiting Matt, Lowell's Head Coach Jeff McDonald had such great things to say about Matt and so far, everything he said, has been right to the letter. Matt has been working extremely hard this summer on his game and it is already showing in open gym. Matt will have the opportunity to do some great things at GBC." Matt is the son of Jeff and Debbie Kurtz and he has a sister Lauren. Matt will wear #25 for Grace next year.