Author: The Crusader Staff Writer, Saveon Falls
Belmont Abbey College first had a basketball team in 1928, but they mainly played against junior colleges and other small teams in the area. The Haid Gymnasium was completed in December 1930, and that is where the team was able to hold games and be a showplace for the team. The Abbey’s men’s basketball program has had a lot of success in the past couple of years, winning two out of the last three conference championships. They are looking to win another championship this upcoming season with a lot of new faces on the team and a new
coaching staff.
With the mindset of back-to-back another championship, Coach David Belfield is new but has a winning mindset. He cares about his players and how they carry themselves in the classroom and as a person as well on the floor. Coach Belfield will be the 18th coach in the program’s history and is seeking to continue the tradition of national relevance, academic excellence, and formation guidance. One quote that he tells his players is to “Assume Positive Intent.” If someone doesn’t trust you, it doesn’t matter how well you measure your words, the other person will misinterpret you. If someone trusts you implicitly, it doesn’t matter how poorly you phrase something, the other person will assume you meant well.
Also, the program welcomes Dave Matturro to the team. Where he’s just coming off a national championship from Randolph-Macon, where he helped them win the 2022 national championship. He brings the same hunger and passion to the Abbey program and looks forward to having a great season.
Come watch us play during the Spring season.
This article was originally posted in the Fall 2022, Issue 2 of The Crusader Newspaper. Download the full issue.
