SAGU hosts LSU-Shreveport on Saturday

Spotlight shines on Coaches Versus Cancer event

Funds raised to benefit the American Cancer Society

WAXAHACHIE, Texas -- Saturday’s college basketball doubleheader will last about four hours when Southwestern Assemblies of God University plays host to Louisiana State University at Shreveport.

Few will remember the score or the details within the days or weeks following.

What transpires during halftime of each game between the women’s and men’s teams is so significant that it will touch lives for years. It is something much bigger than basketball.

It is the fight against cancer.

It is the race to find a cure.

It is a most worthy cause.

Southwestern welcomes fans and people from Waxahachie and surrounding communities to attend either or both games or to contribute to this collaborative effort to take on cancer.

Games and Location Details

The SAGU Lady Lions will play the LSU-Shreveport Lady Pilots at 5:30pm before the men’s teams from the two universities square off at 7:30pm. Tickets are $5 for adults.

The games will be played at the Sheaffer Center on campus, which can be accessed on E. University Avenue (between Burger King and Big Lots). Parking is free.

Raising awareness and funds

The entire gate from both games along with collections received during intermission of both contests will go to the local chapter of the American Cancer Society.

Businesses or individuals are welcome to send a check or money order to SAGU: Attn: Athletic Department, 1200 Sycamore Street, Waxahachie, Tx 75165.

SAGU’s head coaches Arlon Beadles (Lady Lions) and Donnie Bostwick (Lions), whose personal lives have been affected by cancer, will address the crowd at halftime of each game.

National project brings in nearly $45 million

Southwestern is one of over 300 colleges and universities that are members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Many participate in this initiative each year in various sports.

Symbolically, coaches wear sneakers instead of dress shoes with their regular game attire during games featuring the fight against cancer theme.

At halftime of the NAIA men’s Division I championship game on March 20 (at Kansas City, Mo), a check from the NAIA to the American Cancer Society will be presented. It will be divided and sent to the local chapters where it was raised.

“The Coaches vs. Cancer program is a vital, year-round link between the Society and the N.A.B.C. that empowers basketball coaches, their teams and communities to join the fight against cancer,” said Jim Satalin, the C-vs-C director. Since it began in 1993, this project has raised nearly $45 million.

“The program draws from the personal experiences, community leadership and the professional excellence of coaches nationwide to increase public awareness of the society’s mission to save lives and prevent cancer, and to raise funds to fight the disease on a variety of fronts.”

About this fight against cancer

Coaches vs. Cancer participants have raised millions since 1993 to help the Cancer Society finance groundbreaking cancer research, provide up-to-date cancer information and education, advocate for public health policies that benefit communities, and deliver services that improve the quality of life for patients and their families.

The Southwestern family and those in Waxahachie and area cities are encouraged to join the fight against cancer. Posters can be seen all over town promoting the event.

Games to be broadcast by SSL and at Chicken Express

Additionally, the games will be broadcast over the internet in HD by SAGU Sports Live. The pregame show begins at 5:15pm. Following the women’s game, which ends around 7pm, will be a rap-up segment, before a preview of the men’s game around 7:15pm.

The men’s game will pit LSU-Shreveport (19-6) and ranked #19 in the NAIA and winners of 11 straight games against SAGU (18-7), who are also ranked. The Lions routed #5 Our Lady of the Lake University, 106-80, last Saturday.

Fans can watch the doubleheader on computers, laptops, iPhones and other applications at no expense. Visit www.SAGU.edu and click on the WatchSAGUtv button.

Additionally, the Waxahachie Chicken Express will begin airing all SAGU Sports Live broadcasts on large screens in their restaurant lobby. This Saturday they will stay open until 11pm for this event according to manager Nic Young.

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 at 469-658-2847.