In his previous stint as Maroochydore Clippers mens coach, Warwick Meehl harboured lofty ambitions.  State league domination. Championships. A trophy to savour at the end of a tough season.  But when asked about his immediate goals for the men in purple this year, Meehl, who guided the Clippers to the QABL title in 2007, is more circumspect.

"We'd like to win one (game); that's the first goal," Meehl laughed yesterday.  It's a reasonable answer. Remember, this is the team that went through the entire 2008 season without a single 'w' to their name.  "We just want to get that bogey off our back, and it's easier said than done," Meehl continued.  "There's probably one team we would be favoured to beat, but the rest are at best 50-50."

However, the reinforcements are coming.  After turning out for Mackay last year, Warwick's son Zane will return to the Clippers fold this season when his US college commitments are fulfilled.  Named the QABL's MVP in 2006, Meehl is expected to arrive on the Coast and suit up for the Clippers in time for their round four or five clash.  Meehl is a pointscoring machine that is capable of carrying a team on his day.

"He's capable of scoring (heavily), although I think he'll back off a bit and we'll try and spread that around," his father said.  "He can put together the occasional 50 point game, but at this point he's trying to round out his game and work on specific things.  "He'll certainly help us with his experience."  Meehl will be joined by two other recruits in American guard Dante Sykes and Canadian power forward Gianni Costantiello.  Both North American newcomers have pleased their new coach thus far.  "Dante played for Northside Wizards the last couple of years and is a very solid player that's good to watch," Meehl said.

"He and Gianni have been leading the young fellas (at training) quite well."  It's hoped the old heads will compliment a youthful squad that Meehl has high hopes for in years to come.  Isiah Tueta, Lachlan Miller and Harry McDermott all featured in the Clippers' state championship-winning under-18 side last year and will step up to the senior ranks.  "If this team stays together for another year, I think we'll see them start performing at a very high level," Meehl said.

The Clippers will get their season underway with the traditional grudge match against Caloundra Suns at Maroochydore Basketball Stadium on Saturday, April 25.  Meehl and his players will be hoping the champagne that's been on ice for almost a year now will finally be uncorked after that match.  By Jon Tuxworth, The Sunshine Coast Daily.