Stephen F. Austin

Nov. 1, 2007

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - When the Stephen F. Austin men's basketball team takes the floor this season, Lumberjack fans might notice a few new faces in uniform -- nine, to be exact. The nine newcomers for 2007-08 tie two previous years for the most SFA rookies to start a season under eighth-year head coach Danny Kaspar. The class includes five prep recruits and four collegiate transfers. Following is the fourth in a series of question-and-answer sessions that will help SFA fans get to know the newest Lumberjacks. Today's featured 'Jack is freshman Austin Falke.

Falke is a 6-1, 175-pound shooting guard from Thorndale, Texas, where he was no stranger to winning. He was a four-year letterman on the hardwood and guided his team to a state title as a senior last year. Before that, Falke was part of another state championship effort, this one on the baseball diamond, where he started for three years as a shortstop. As a senior, Falke earned numerous awards in basketball, including the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches Class A Player of the Year, Cen-Tex Player of the Year and MVP honors at the state tournament. Falke was a three-time all-state selection in baseball.

The freshman counts his never-say-die attitude as one of his best qualities on the floor, and, so far, his coach agrees with him. "He's a great competitor, and he obviously loves the game," Kaspar said. "He puts in a lot of time in the gym on his own. I've really enjoyed having Austin be a part of the program."

Falke will major in kinesiology at Stephen F. Austin.

Below are Falke's responses to the Lumberjack newcomer survey:

Q: What is your favorite professional sports team?

A: Phoenix Suns.

Q: Who is your favorite athlete?

A: Steve Nash.

Q: What is your biggest hobby other than basketball?

A: Watching movies.

Q: What was the biggest factor in your decision to come to Stephen F. Austin?

A: The chance to play Division I basketball.

Q: What has been your biggest surprise about college life at SFA?:

A: The size of the school and the closeness of the student body.

Q: What do you think is your best attribute on the court?

A: Unselfishness and never giving up.

Q: What has been the toughest part of preseason practice, so far?

A: Learning the style of play at a higher level.

Q: If you had to sum up this year's team in one word, what would it be?

A: Unique.

Q: Do you have any pre-game traditions?

A: I pray the same prayer and talk to my mom.

Q: What position, besides your natural position, would you like to play and why?

A: Point guard, because you have more of a leadership role and have to be a good floor general.

Q: What's your most prized possession?

A: My Bible.

• Fans have the chance to see Austin Falke and the rest of the Lumberjacks in action for the first time Monday night, when they host Abilene Christian in a season-opening exhibition game. The contest is set to tip off at 7 p.m. in the William R. Johnson Coliseum. SFA opens the regular season on Friday, Nov. 9, when the Lumberjacks host UT-Tyler in a 7 p.m. tilt.

-- SFA --