Oct. 12, 2007

Listen to Okrzesik's full interview.
Listen to Stutz's full interview.

EVANSTON, Ill. -- With the regular season a month away, Friday marks the first official practice for Northwestern's basketball teams. Senior Jason Okrzesik and the men's team open practice Friday evening, while senior Sara Stutz and the women's team conduct their first practice Saturday morning. Both spoke with NUSports.com about starting official practices.

Northwestern's men's team returns three-of-five starters including leading scorer Kevin Coble (Phoenix, Ariz./Scottsdale Christian Academy), who averaged 13.4 points per game last season. Junior Craig Moore (Doylestown, Pa./Lawrenceville (N.J.) Prep) and his 39 three-point field goals also returns for 2007-08 while head coach Bill Carmody welcomes freshmen Michael Thompson (Chicago, Ill./Lincoln Park) and Mike Capocci (Lombard, Ill./Glenbard East).

The women's squad, led by head coach Beth Combs, returns four starters from last year. While the 'Cats lost leading scorer A.J. Glasauer, they welcome a talented group of freshmen for the 2007-08 campaign. Freshman Amy Jaeschke (Wilmette, Ill./New Trier), who stands at 6-5, will bring size and skill to the center position.

Okrzesik Audio
• Listen to Okrzesik talk about what goes on between the end of the season and the start of practice.
• Listen to Okrzesik discuss his feelings about entering his senior season.
• Listen to Okrzesik explain his role as a veteran leader.
• Listen to Okrzesik talk about the newcomers.
• Listen to Okrzesik describe what the team worked the hardest on during the off-season.
• Listen to Okrzesik describe what he worked on during the spring and summer.

Stutz Audio
• Listen to Stutz describe the team's preparation for the start of practice.
• Listen to Stutz talk about the skills the team worked to improve on over the summer.
• Listen to Stutz talk about her excitement for the start of practice.
• Listen to Stutz describe her role as a leader this season.
• Listen to Stutz describe how life changes with the start of practice.