The Colonel basketball team will have a familiar face on the bench this season, in former guard Mike Czepil, but instead of suiting up in uniform, he will now wear a coat and tie.The Hoppers Crossing, Austrailia native will now pass on the things he learned as a player to current and future Colonels.
Even though his career was cut short by injuries, Czepil contributed much in the short amount of time he played. He started 26 of 27 games as a freshman, finishing second on the team in rebounds and assists and fourth on the team with a 7.0 points per game average.
After battling with a knee injury, he returned as a junior and helped propel the Colonels to their first appearance in the Southland Conference tournament since the 2000-2001 season.
Being injured so often during his career has helped in the transition to a permanent spot courtside.
“I was lucky, because I got that kind of perspective while I was still playing,” Czepil said. “That has helped me settle in a little quicker.”
In addition to standing on the sidelines, he has also had to make other adjustments, some easier than others.
“The kids I lived with last year, I now coach,” Czepil said. “It hasn’t been a hard adjustment; it’s just been adjustment, and they have been great about it. I think it will work out well.”
The Colonels open the season this week with an exhibition game against the University of Mobile, and Czepil is looking forward to it.
“You can only beat up on each other for so long at practice before you get the chance to play someone else,” Czepil said. “I’m looking forward to see how we play.”
Even though he calls Australia home, Czepil feels very comfortable here in Thibodaux.
“I enjoy it here,” said Czepil “I told my mom when I was home in our winter, which is your summer, that I was coming back, and she was happy for me. She knows that I don’t plan on going home anytime soon.”
With the adjustments he has made from fighting through injuries during his playing career to coaching some of the same players he played with, Czepil has a great respect for the game of basketball.
“I like the sport,” Czepil said. “I like competition, and so for me to be able to call something like this my job is somewhat surreal.”
After the exhibition game Thursday night, the Colonels will embark on a three-game road trip to open the regular season before playing their first home game against Tulane on Nov. 26 inside Stopher Gym.
