HLGU Althete, Meuel, Called on by National Team

Friday, September 30, 2011
by Jordan Argo, HLGU Sports Information Director

HANNIBAL, MO – September 30, 2011 – Current Hannibal-LaGrange men's basketball sophomore Ariirimarau Meuel received a chance of a lifetime this summer after being asked to represent his country, Tahiti, in the South Pacific Games. 

“It was a great experience for me to play with such experienced players,” stated Meuel.  “It was a dream come true to play for my national team.”

Over 20 countries are represented in the South Pacific Games by 28 athletic events including basketball.  This year's games were hosted by New Caledonia, a French island located 750 miles east of Australia.

Recruited by the ESL (English as a Second Language) program, Meuel joined the Trojans last season but saw limited playing time due to eligibility issues.  Men's Basketball Coach Jason Durst is relieved those struggles are finished and will be happy to see Meuel on the court during games this season.

“Arii has proven to be a very solid perimeter player for our team at the small forward position,” commented Coach Durst.  “He is a good shooter and smart offensive player.  His size allows him to be a tough match-up for most players at his position; he can post-up shorter defenders and face-up on taller defenders.”

Meuel finished as Tahiti's top scorer throughout the basketball tournament.  He averaged 14.5 points a game while helping his country to a bronze medal and its highest finish since 1995.

Founded in 1858, Hannibal-LaGrange University is a four-year liberal arts college fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and prides itself in its traditional and nontraditional educational experience in a distinctively Christian environment. For more information about HLGU or its athletics programs, please visit hlg.edu.