Northwestern State center Kendal Coleman set foot on foreign soil when he traveled to North Macedonia earlier this month on a basketball trip, but now it’s veteran center Larry Owens’ turn.
Owens will head to Belize in early August with an organization called Sports Reach, a Christian group that puts together athletics trips across the globe.
The senior rediscovered his role this past season, averaging seven points and four rebounds in 15 minutes per game.
Because of the NCAA COVID-19 waiver, Owens will get one more season in Natchitoches.
“We’ve had players go on tours with Sports Reach before, and this is a great opportunity for Larry,” said NSU men’s basketball coach Mike McConathy. “He can build on his improvement this spring.
“Larry had some really great moments this year, and this is a way for him to stay active this summer and be in a position to be in great condition heading into this coming season. He can use this experience to help his game.”
Owens and other members of Team Spirit will head to Waco, Texas, for a training camp started July 31 before jetting to Belize, a Central American country on Mexico’s southern border.
The American group is expected to play up to eight games against local and regional squads.
NSU athletics trainer Zach Standiford will also provide his medical service during camp and on the trip.
The Sports Reach team is coached by Kelly Combs, who has coached for 30 years, including an eight-season tenure as the head coach at Union College (NAIA) before joining the basketball ministry ranks full-time.
PHOTO: Chris Reich/NSU Photographic Services
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