Unique home debut for Lions

Lions expect 'cold' reception from fans

Southwestern snowstorm forecasted for Sheaffer Center

WAXAHACHIE, Texas -- A new era is beginning for men’s basketball at Southwestern Assemblies of God University. With the student body present and the community of Waxahachie invited, an indoor weather advisory has been issued for the early stages of today's game against Sterling College.

New head coach Donnie Bostwick , who was named the National Coach of the Year twice in the past four years while coaching at Oklahoma Wesleyan University, has extended an invitation to the locals to check out the new SAGU Lions (currently 3-0). They will take on the Sterling (Kansas) Warriors, 21-11 last season, on Saturday, November 12, at the Sheaffer Center on the SAGU campus. The game will have a 5:30pm opening tip. Don't be late.

Besides the excitement of NAIA college basketball, is the anticipation of a Southwestern snow storm, Texas-style, according to Coach Bostwick.

Starting a fun, new tradition, home fans will do more than supplying great energy to fuel the Lions team. When they score their first basket of the game (not a free throw), the crowd, who will be issued ping pong balls upon entering the gym, will launch them into the air like snowballs or a hail storm.

The Southwestern snow storm will cover the court in a coat of white! A bouncing coat, that is.

What will follow is a stoppage of play to clear the surface, though snow-shovels will not be needed. Home fans may see this as their opportunity to impact a game with their spirit.

Coach Bostwick pointed out; “The best traditions in sports come from college athletics. I have been lucky to have been a part of a couple (of special traditions) in the past.”

 Of the SAGU snowstorm, he said “We think this one will give our campus, alumni and our community a reason to come out and see this year’s SAGU Basketball Team. I believe they will see a product that will cause them to come back.”

“It will be a great family-friendly atmosphere. I believe many people will be surprised at the talent level that represents our fine university. I welcome everyone to come out and enjoy the fun.”

 The Lions feature a wide-open offensive style, led by last year’s #1 scorer in the nation, Ronald Horne (Waco, Tx / Univ of North Texas, Waco HS), as well as the NAIA’s top rebounder in Duce Ward (Waco, Tx / Univ of North Texas, Connally HS).

The team has recruited seven new players including a transfer in point guard Dominique Rambo (Dallas, Tx / Oklahoma Wesleyan Univ, Trinity Christian - Cedar Hill), and Christian Wood-Dvorak (Halletsville, Tx / Halletsville HS), the Texas Class 3A Player of the Year a year ago.

Contact: Mark "Link" Warde, Sports Information Director, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 469-658-2847.