MARSHALL, Minn. - The SMSU wheelchair basketball team will open the 2009-10 season at home on Friday, hosting Wisconsin-Whitewater in a doubleheader at 4 p.m and 7 p.m.

The Mustangs are coming off a seventh place finish at last year's national tournament and will be co-captained by Nathan Carruth and Kyle Timmerman this season.

Carruth averaged 10 points a game last season and is is closing in on the 1,000-point milestone. Fresh off an all rookie team selection and a try-out for the U23 USA Paralympic Team, Timmerman looks to accept a leadership role and improve on his impressive rookie season.

The Mustangs will also look for a strong contribution from fifth-year senior Thomas Abrahamson.  The rest of the Mustang roster is filled out with Jaclyn Fansler, Jeff Garten, Tony Hilmoe, Jake Tews, Craig Popper, Jon Schmitz, Chris Baker, Jon Winter, Jake Williams and Rick Kamm.

"These games will serve us as a good barometer as to our skill level and ability in comparison to the rest of the league," said head coach Paul Weiland.  "We will bring a lot of youth and excitement to the floor, and along with our team speed, we will create interesting offensive and defensive matchups for our opponents."