Wrestling vs. #1 Penn State Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Crisler Arena SPORTS Thursday, January 29, 1987 Men's Swimming vs. Illinois Friday, 7:30 p.m. IM Building The Michigan Daily Page 9 Gophers seek improvement vs. Blue By SCOTT G. MILLER The University of Minnesota Basketball Media Guide portrays a wide-eyed Clem Haskins casually surveying Williams Arena. When first-year Gopher coach Haskins enters Crisler Arena to face Michigan tonight (PASS T.V., 7:30 p.m.), his gaze may be hardened. After opening the season with a 7-3 nonconference record, the Gophers' record is now 9-8. They defeated Wisconsin and Northwestern before losing their last five Big Ten games, which is enough to make any coach want to shut his eyes. YET IN his first year as Minnesota head coach, Haskins' eyes remain open because his expectations have been less than starry eyed. Haskins set his sights on one major objective.- "The thing I'm trying to do this year at the University of Minn - esota," said Haskins, "is build character and try to bring some credibility to the program." The Gophers disintegrated last season when players George Williams, Kevin Smith, and Mitch Lee were arrested on sexual assault charges. All were later acquitted, but the scandal caused 11-year head coach Jim Dutcher to resign. Minnesota is regaining cred - ibility thanks to Haskins. His team reflects the characteristics he dis - played as a player in college and in the National Basketball Ass - ociation. "I'M VERY, very impressed with their aggressive play, their unselfish attitude, and their work ethic," said Michigan head coach Bill Frieder of the Gophers. "When you have a team like that, you are capable of beating anybody, especially if the opposition isn't ready to go." Unfortunately for Minnesota, a Big Ten champion needs more than a good attitude. Haskins knows his team lacks the talent and the height (the Gophers' tallest starter is 6-7) to be one of the top teams in the conference. He feels the Gophers have only four legitimate Big Ten players. One of those players is freshman Willy Bu ton from Detroit. Burton averaged 22 points and 12 rebounds a game as a senior at DePorres high school and scores nine points a game for Minnesota as a starter. "Burton is like all young kids. It takes time to make the adjustment from a high school senior to a freshman in college," said Haskins. "He's going to be an outstanding player his junior and senior years." HASKINS also expects freshmen Richard Coffey (7.4 ppg) and Jim Shikenjanski to develop. The Gophers need increased production from sophomore Kelvin Smith. His play reflects his teams' largest weakness - inconsistency. But with six freshmen on the roster, Haskins understands his clubs limitations. "The ultimate goal is to win," said Haskins. "But when you're outmanned, you have to be realistic. And we are trying to be realistic in evaluating our ball club." Realism means looking to improve each game and to stay within 10-15 points with the top six to seven teams in the Big Ten. In two or three years, Haskins expects the Gophers to again be competitive. These meager goals pale in comparison to the achievements Haskins sought last season as head coach at Western Kentucky, which finished the year 23-8. He left the safety of his alma mater, where he compiled a 101-73 mark in six seasons, to take the Minnesota job. "I think the opportunity to coach in one of the toughest conferences in the country and to coach at the state university would be a big challenge for me," said Haskins. "I'm used to that." 'The ultimate goal is to win. But when you're outmanned, you have to be realistic. And we are trying to be realistic in evaluating our ball club.' - Clem Haskins - WINTERIZE - AT THE OUTDOOR RECREA TION CENTER! Rent your winter sports equipment from us DAILY RATE I II icof 3 DEADLINE SPRING/SUMMER 1987 FINANCIAL AID APPLICATIONS X-Country Ski Packages.. . X-Country Ski Racks...... Toboggans ............... Snow Shoes.. .......... Inner Tubes ............. ... ... 4.00 ....-.-$1.00 ......,..$2.50 ......... $2.00 ......$.50 WEEKEND (Th Mon) $12.00 $ 2.00 $ 5.00- $ 4.00 $ 1.00 WEEKLY $20.00 $ 5.00 $12.50 $10.00 $ 2.50 2011 STUDENT ACTIVITIES BUILDING DEADLINE: Friday, January 30, 1987 Application forms are available at the Office of Financial Aid. Students who will enroll full time may apply for grants, Perkins National Direct Student Loans and College Work-Study. Students who will enroll at least half time may apply for College Work-Study. Submit the application form by Friday, January 30, 1987, to insure priority con- sideration for available funding. ODR at the North Campus Recreation Building (Murfin & Hubbard) k ecre,- OUTDOOR REC ° CENTER o. _. Ski rentals also available at Radrick Farms Nordic Center. Rental Prices differ from NCRB Prices call 764-3967 for more information Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 3:30 - 6:30; Friday 12 6 p.m. OFFICE HOURS: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 8:15-11:45 and 1:00-4:00 Thurs 10:00-11:45 and 1:00-4:00 TELEPHONES: Information:763-6600 i EEAST DRII PISCOPO ISEh KS