Identity
McElvain doesn’t see any reason to rush labeling what type of team the Bobcats will be this season. “There’s a lot to be said for waiting,” he said.

He said the team will find its identity as it plays together. Much of the team’s identity will be dictated by the returning players. The Bobcats will suit up five seniors this season, the most in the eight seasons Shepherd has coached at C of O.

With such a large core group, Shepherd said bringing the newcomers into the system has been easier. “All (the seniors) have been through the program and they’ve done a great job of rolling up their sleeves,” he said.

Shepherd said he looks forward to seeing how this team finds its identity during the season. “I’m excited about this team,” Shepherd said. “I see them as a talented group who are going to have to play blue collar.”