Welcome to our first installment of Where Are They Now, where we catch up with a former Sycamore athlete and find out what they've been up to since leaving the friendly confines of Indiana State and Terre Haute. We recently had a chance to catch up with former Sycamore basketball big man, Trent Wurtz. After transferring to Indiana State from George Mason, the 6-foot-8 Wurtz patrolled the paint for the Sycamores from 2005 to 2007.
SycamoreHoops.com: Since leaving Indiana State, what have you been up to? Are you still playing basketball?
Trent Wurtz: Since graduation I've had the opportunity to continue the game professionally abroad. I traveled to Copenhagen, Denmark, Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, and currently I'm in Christchurch, New Zealand. I'm due to arrive back in the states next week. It has been one amazing journey and hope to continue playing however have kept the thought of a coaching position at the forefront of my future plans.
[ido=left]250[/ido][imgpic]http://www.sycamorehoops.com/images/players/wurtzcc.jpg[/imgpic][cap]Wurtz concentrates on the rim as he shoots a free throw for Christchurch[/cap][idc][/idc]
SycamoreHoops.com: Who are you currently playing for? Statistics?
Trent Wurtz: We finished the season here about 2 weeks ago with a semifinal loss to the Waikato Pistons who boasted Adam Ballinger, an Indiana native who played at Michigan State and Pero Cameron, a World Top 5 member from the 2002 FIBA World Championships in Indianapolis. I finished the season averaging 14 points per game and 8 rebounds per game.
[Editor Note] Trent is currently playing for the Christchurch Cougars of the National Basketball League in New Zealand. You can find more information on the NBL website.
SycamoreHoops.com: What were some of your favorite moments at Indiana State? Is there anything you miss about Indiana State? If so, what?
Trent Wurtz: All of my favorite moments occurred with the fans rushing the floor. I had a few of those at George Mason and certainly with Indiana State beating Indiana, Butler and Purdue all at the Hulman Center. What will always remain in my memory are the laughs that I shared with teammates, coaches and trainers be them on the road, or in Terre Haute. That is what I miss the most about Indiana State. I also miss the trains wheeling by my doorstep.
SycamoreHoops.com: Are you still connected to the program?
Trent Wurtz: Obviously I'm partial because I can definitely trace my playing days to Harry Marshall and Brant Leitnaker. For a few of the guys like Isiah Martin, I know I was present when they made their official visit.
SycamoreHoops.com: What is your opinion of the current state of the program?
Trent Wurtz: I believe the program is definitely making big steps to seize control as top contender in the MVC and I most certainly keep in touch with all of the coaches that were at the helm during my not-so-far removed playing days.
SycamoreHoops.com: Do you keep in touch with any of the players or coaches from your teams? If so, who?
Trent Wurtz: I came back in mid-December to visit with Friends, teammates and administrators and was taken back at the number of people familiar to me was diminishing, but walking and reminiscing made it a fantastic trip. I traveled with Russ Trudeau to the Indiana State-Purdue game and had a blast being the minority on Boilermaker turf. When I touch down next week, I'll be greeted by Russ Trudeau, Mick Yelovich, Adam Lottino and Jay Tunnell. We will travel North to my neck of the woods to enjoy some fun in the sun.
SycamoreHoop.com: Is there anything else you want to share with the Sycamore fans reading this?
Trent Wurtz: To the fans and to those who keep Sycamore hoops up and in the news, Thank you! It is because of you that I am able to keep tabs of our team wherever I might be on this Earth. Best Wishes and Go Sycamores!
SycamoreHoops.com: Since leaving Indiana State, what have you been up to? Are you still playing basketball?
Trent Wurtz: Since graduation I've had the opportunity to continue the game professionally abroad. I traveled to Copenhagen, Denmark, Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, and currently I'm in Christchurch, New Zealand. I'm due to arrive back in the states next week. It has been one amazing journey and hope to continue playing however have kept the thought of a coaching position at the forefront of my future plans.
[ido=left]250[/ido][imgpic]http://www.sycamorehoops.com/images/players/wurtzcc.jpg[/imgpic][cap]Wurtz concentrates on the rim as he shoots a free throw for Christchurch[/cap][idc][/idc]
SycamoreHoops.com: Who are you currently playing for? Statistics?
Trent Wurtz: We finished the season here about 2 weeks ago with a semifinal loss to the Waikato Pistons who boasted Adam Ballinger, an Indiana native who played at Michigan State and Pero Cameron, a World Top 5 member from the 2002 FIBA World Championships in Indianapolis. I finished the season averaging 14 points per game and 8 rebounds per game.
[Editor Note] Trent is currently playing for the Christchurch Cougars of the National Basketball League in New Zealand. You can find more information on the NBL website.
SycamoreHoops.com: What were some of your favorite moments at Indiana State? Is there anything you miss about Indiana State? If so, what?
Trent Wurtz: All of my favorite moments occurred with the fans rushing the floor. I had a few of those at George Mason and certainly with Indiana State beating Indiana, Butler and Purdue all at the Hulman Center. What will always remain in my memory are the laughs that I shared with teammates, coaches and trainers be them on the road, or in Terre Haute. That is what I miss the most about Indiana State. I also miss the trains wheeling by my doorstep.
SycamoreHoops.com: Are you still connected to the program?
Trent Wurtz: Obviously I'm partial because I can definitely trace my playing days to Harry Marshall and Brant Leitnaker. For a few of the guys like Isiah Martin, I know I was present when they made their official visit.
SycamoreHoops.com: What is your opinion of the current state of the program?
Trent Wurtz: I believe the program is definitely making big steps to seize control as top contender in the MVC and I most certainly keep in touch with all of the coaches that were at the helm during my not-so-far removed playing days.
SycamoreHoops.com: Do you keep in touch with any of the players or coaches from your teams? If so, who?
Trent Wurtz: I came back in mid-December to visit with Friends, teammates and administrators and was taken back at the number of people familiar to me was diminishing, but walking and reminiscing made it a fantastic trip. I traveled with Russ Trudeau to the Indiana State-Purdue game and had a blast being the minority on Boilermaker turf. When I touch down next week, I'll be greeted by Russ Trudeau, Mick Yelovich, Adam Lottino and Jay Tunnell. We will travel North to my neck of the woods to enjoy some fun in the sun.
SycamoreHoop.com: Is there anything else you want to share with the Sycamore fans reading this?
Trent Wurtz: To the fans and to those who keep Sycamore hoops up and in the news, Thank you! It is because of you that I am able to keep tabs of our team wherever I might be on this Earth. Best Wishes and Go Sycamores!
