Sept. 22, 2009

RUSTON, La. - Louisiana Tech students hoping to make an NCAA men's basketball team took their first step on Tuesday with a meeting with the coaching staff at Thomas Assembly Center.

"We are really excited and looking forward to seeing what these guys are going to bring to our team," said head coach Kerry Rupp. "Tech has a great student body and we want them to be a part of our program and know that it's their program."

The students hoping to become student-athletes will have a month to turn in the required paperwork as tryouts for the squad will take place in October. The first day of practice selected by the NCAA is Oct. 16 at 5 p.m.