By Lachlan Onions
THERE is a buzz around town as the Mount Gambier Pioneers prepare to embark on a new era with the 2023 season set to begin this weekend.
Mount Gambier Pioneers club president Tom Kosch spoke to The Border Watch at the season launch on Wednesday and said it had been a busy off-season, highlighted by the move to the Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre.
“The off-season is always a hectic time for everyone and is probably busier than in-season at times,” he said.
“The move has caused extra work but we have been looking forward to it.”
The move is in many ways bittersweet for Kosch as it means the Pioneers say farewell to the Icehouse, which had been the scene of countless iconic moments in the club’s history.
“Anyone that has ever been to the Icehouse before, they love it for what it is,” he said.
“It is not necessarily the most beautiful and architectural venue in the competition but the environment it provided people was hugely exciting.
“It will be missed but it is about trying to replicate the same energy here at Wulanda.”
Along with the move to the brand new Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre, the off-season was also highlighted by new player signings for the men’s and women’s programs.
“It is a full credit to the board and our coaches here in town – Matt Sutton and Richard Hill who have been here over the journey for the last 11 years,” Kosch said.
“Quality people bring in quality people and it means we have a huge basketball program here in town that people can follow and enjoy.”
The Pioneers’ season starts this weekend with a double-header on the road against Sandringham and Nunawading.
This will be followed by a week off for Easter before Mount Gambier runs onto its new home floor for the first time on April 14 when they play host to the Casey Cavaliers.
“There is plenty of work to do (before the first home game) but it is all exciting stuff and we are really looking forward to getting into it and being there on April 14,” Kosch said.
