Southwestern Adventist University hosted its 24^th annual Hoops Classic Basketball Tournament from January 23 through January 26.  Forty-eight high school teams from across the country, traveled to Keene, Texas, to participate. 

“The games were very entertaining to watch, and I enjoyed seeing the passion these kids had while playing,” said Elizabeth Aguirre, a Southwestern Adventist University student.  Describing the final rounds, Aguirre added, “The crowd was on their feet as they cheered on each of their teams.”

Macedonian Christian Academy won the Small School Women’s Division, Forest Lake Academy won the Large School Women’s Division, Miami Union Academy won the Small School Men’s Division, and San Gabriel Academy won the Large School Men’s Division. Each team went home with new and strengthened friendships.

Through the four-day tournament, teams of all skill levels had the opportunity to compete and connect. Small School and Large School Divisions for both men’s and women’s teams allowed each athlete to have a fair but competitive experience. The eight courts located on the University’s campus, across town, and in neighboring Burleson, Texas, gave teams the chance to play in a variety of venues and explore Johnson County, Texas. 

Overtime in the Small School Women’s championship among other games, struck excitement with the hundreds of spectators who packed the Southwestern Adventist University gym to maximum capacity during the championship games. Over the weekend, thousands of spectators joined the various games in person and many more watched live streams of the games on Southwestern Adventist University’s social media platforms. The University’s Flicker page garnered over half a million photo views during the weekend alone.

In addition to playing basketball, visitors had the chance to tour the University’s campus, meet students, experience the University’s various worship programs, and see a glimpse of college life through Southwestern Adventist University’s residential halls and cafeteria hospitality.

“While basketball is one of the reasons students come to Southwestern Adventist University during Hoops Classic weekend, it’s not the only reason,” said James The, Vice President for Student Services. “I want as many high schoolers as possible to enjoy the activities and one another’s company, and to experience the authentic hospitality that our students and visitors enjoy each and every day. Hoops Classic is not only about basketball, but it’s also about making lifelong friends. Our goal is that each visitor will perhaps one day experience Southwestern Adventist University as a valued student.” 

For more information about Southwestern Adventist University’s various programs, please visit www.swau.edu. To see photos from this year’s Hoops Classic event as well as hundreds of other university events, visit www.flicker.com/southwesternadventist.

Celebrating its 125th anniversary, Southwestern Adventist University has offered Christian education since 1893. A small comprehensive university, the beautiful campus is located in Keene, Texas, about 20 minutes south of Fort Worth. Southwestern Adventist University offers personable professors, numerous programs including business, education, nursing, Senior Living Management Certificate, master’s programs, and many ways for students to get involved both on campus and abroad. With a diverse student body that includes international students from dozens of countries and an average student/teacher ratio of 11:1, Southwestern Adventist University offers a uniquely diverse and personal college experience.