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MEMBER, T E X A S T ECH UNI V ERSI T Y SY ST EM
ANGELO STATE UNIVERSIT Y
Notable pro players coached by Fred Rike Earl Barron
Miami Heat, New York Knicks
LaMarshall Corbett
Siarka Jezioro (Poland)
Marcus Hubbard
Austin Toros, Los Angeles Clippers, Atlanta Hawks
Ridge McKeither Melilla (Spain)
Sam Mack
Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Vancouver Grizzlies
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COACH FRED RIKE’S
WINNING
TRADITION During his six seasons as Angelo State men’s head basketball coach, Fred Rike has led the Rams to the NCAA Division II Tournament, three Lone Star Conference Tournament berths and the highest national ranking in team history.
Winning at home has become a common theme under Rike, as the Rams have racked up 43 wins and a .705 winning percentage in the Junell Center/Stephens Arena. His 2008–09 team posted the most Division II wins in program history with 20, and was ranked as high as No. 23 in ncaa Division II, the Rams’ highest ranking ever. Since Rike arrived at asu in 2006, he has transformed the Rams from a team that went 0-12 in lsc play the previous season into a perennial contender for the conference title. Five of his players have been named to the All-lsc first team, and guard LaMarshall Corbett claimed the 2010 lsc Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year awards on his way to becoming only the second
asu player to gain All-America status. The following year, Rams Andre Adams and Richard Thomas were named 2011 lsc Freshman of the Year and Newcomer of the Year, respectively. During the 2008–09 season, Rike led the Rams back to the ncaa D-II South Central Regional Tournament for the first time since 2002. After missing the lsc Tournament by just one game in his inaugural season, the Rams then made three straight conference tourney appearances from 2007–08 to 2009–10. In the 2010–11 season, the Rams set an ncaa single-season record of playing in nine overtime games. Prior to arriving at asu, Rike spent five seasons as the associate head coach at the University of North Texas. He
Since Rike arrived in 2006, he has transformed the Rams from a team that went 0-12 in lsc play the previous season into a perennial contender for the conference title.
also has previous coaching experience at Tyler Junior College, University of Memphis, Louisiana Tech University and Georgia State University. A native of Haskell, Rike has deep Texas basketball roots. A standout prep player at Tulia High School, he began his collegiate playing career at Tyler Junior College, where he was named all-conference after his sophomore season. He then spent one season at Sam Houston State University before transferring to West Texas State University (now West Texas a&m) for his senior year. As a senior, he nailed 100 three-pointers, a Buffs’ singleseason school record, and earned the nickname “Downtown Fred Rike.” tjc was also where Rike’s coaching career began in 1990 as an assistant coach for the Apaches. In 1993, they claimed both the Texas Eastern Athletic Conference (teac) and Region XIV championships, and advanced to the njcaa National Tournament. The next year, Rike made his first move to ncaa Division I as an assistant coach at Louisiana Tech, where he stayed one season before returning to tjc as the head coach. Upon his return to Tyler, Rike quickly found success as his team posted a 27-9
ASSISTANT COACH KENNETH MANGRUM
record in 1995–96 and earned conference and regional titles en route to a njcaa playoff berth. That run earned Rike teac and Region XIV Coach of the Year honors. The next year, his Apaches were ranked No. 1 in the nation by several publications, including Dick Vitale, Street & Smith’s and College Sports Review. After posting a 61-33 record in three seasons as head coach at tjc, Rike returned to ncaa D-I as an assistant coach at the University of Memphis alongside current LSU head coach Johnny Jones. When Jones was promoted to head coach in 1999, Rike was named associate head coach. In his first season at Memphis, Rike helped bring in a Tigers’ recruiting class that was ranked No. 7 in the nation. The squad went on to the championship of the Conference USA North Division and advanced to the second round of the National Invitational Tournament. After three successful years at Memphis, Rike spent the 2000-01 season as an assistant coach at Georgia State under legendary head coach Charles “Lefty” Driesell before reuniting with Jones at University of North Texas. During Rike’s season at gsu, the Panthers boasted a 29-5 record and earned a berth in the ncaa Tournament, advancing to the second round. Rike earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education from West Texas State in 1989, and two years later earned his master’s degree in health and kinesiology from the University of Texas at Tyler. He and his wife, Kimberley, have two daughters, Allie Katherine and Jessie Kaye.
‘FIERCE
COMPETITOR’
As Rams assistant coach for the past six seasons, Mangrum has helped head coach Fred Rike rebuild the Angelo State program. The relationship between Mangrum and Rike goes back much further than six years, and the talented assistant is definitely familiar with what his mentor wants their teams to accomplish. A three-year starter at the University of North Texas, Mangrum was a senior when he first met Rike, who had arrived as unt’s new associate head coach. After earning his bachelor’s degree from unt in 2002, Mangrum worked three years for Rike as a graduate assistant on the Mean Green coaching staff. He was also an instructor in unt’s Department of Kinesiology until receiving his master’s degree in kinesiology in the spring of 2005. Known as a defensive specialist during his playing days at unt, Mangrum also led the squad in free-throw percentage as a junior, and was selected to the Indiana Hoosier Classic AllTournament Team the same season. Prior to his arrival at asu, Mangrum coached two seasons at Athens High School, including a stint as the Hornets’ head boys’ basketball coach in 2006–07. A native of Waco, Mangrum and his wife, Leah, have two daughters, Brianna and Makaira, and a son, Kendin.
“Kenneth was a fierce competitor when he played at North Texas and probably one of the best athletes I’ve ever coached. He’s wellrounded and has been a great assistant here at Angelo State. We’re lucky to have him in our program.” —Coach Rike
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ARENA fast FACTS Arena Floor Space
21,500 square feet
Lighting
Fifty 1,000watt lights
Seating Capacity
5,600
Ceiling Height: 68 feet
Floor Surface
Maple
Video Screen
9 feet by 12 feet
Sound System
JUNELL CENTER STEPHENS ARENA HOME OF RAM BASKETBALL
The Junell Center is one of the most recognizable buildings on the Angelo State University campus and is home to one of the finest playing courts in ncaa Division II—the Stephens Arena.
9,000 watts with more than two miles of wiring
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The life-size bronze Rambouillet ram and ewe statues stand as sentinels in front of the Junell Center/Stephens Arena. Amidst a fountain that resembles a rocky West Texas stream, the sheep are a fitting symbol for the enduring spirit of Angelo State University’s Rams and Rambelles.
The facility provides a first-class setting for educational, cultural, social and athletic events. Accommodating audiences up to 5,600, the Junell Center has allowed the university to bring commencement activities, previously staged in the city’s coliseum, home to the campus. The Junell Center also serves as home to asu’s athletic staff, offering a support complex with offices, conference rooms and classrooms—many of which are designed to serve multiple uses. Fans watch the Rams and ’Belles basketball and volleyball squads on a gleaming wood court that also serves as a uil playoff site for area public schools. The fans can also catch the “instant replay” on the 9×12-foot video screen—the largest of its kind in the Lone Star Conference. Media personnel enjoy the spacious press
row, and championship banners are hung from the rafters of the majestic arena. Adjacent to the arena floor are the dressing rooms for the Rams and Rambelles athletic teams. These are supported by a sports medicine center, equipment rooms, storage facilities and a laundry room. Two weight rooms look out over the track complex through gleaming glass walls. A specially appointed vip Lounge is housed in the Junell Center, overlooking the Stephens Arena floor. The lounge is the site for dinners, receptions and other programs requiring that extra touch of class. The Angelo State Athletic Hall of Honor on the Junell Center concourse heralds the accomplishments of asu athletes through the ages. Taken together, the many amenities make the Junell Cen-
ter/Stephens Arena one of the premier facilities in the state and a crowning jewel for the campus and the community. Speaking engagements, distinguished lecture series, cultural programs, exhibitions and concerts are just a few of the community activities that are staged in the facility. A multi-use area is available for smaller programs or as additional space for larger programs requiring its use in conjunction with the arena floor. This space also doubles as a practice site for the Rams and Rambelles, and may also be used for classes and dinners. Other support spaces in the building include a warming kitchen for banquet catering and other dining events, as well as a “green room” for performers waiting to go on stage.
The Junell Center was made possible by funding from the Texas State Legislature in a $30 million package made available for the construction of the new special events center and renovation of the existing Houston Harte University Center. The university’s Board of Regents approved the plans for the new center at an estimated cost of $20 million. Groundbreaking ceremonies were held in the summer of 1999, and construction was completed in December of 2001. The first athletic contest to be held in the facility was on Jan. 17, 2002, as the Rams and Rambelles hosted Texas a&m UniversityKingsville in a basketball doubleheader. The center is on universityowned property on Varsity Drive, just off of Jackson Street and north of the LeGrand Sports Complex.
“Coach Rike is one of the best individual improvement coaches in the country and has the unique ability to be tough and demanding on the court but still find a way to be a role model and connect with each individual athlete off of the court.” —Scott Cross, head basketball coach, University of Texas at Arlington
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Ram's Head Angelo State‘s Ram Head is an unmistakable hand sign that stands out above the rest in the LSC. The sign is made by bending the middle and ring fingers down over the palm and covering them with the thumb. The extended index and pinky fingers are then bent halfway to represent the curve of the horns.
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TOP TEAMS OF ANGELO STATE WINNING IN THE LSC
1987-88
LSC CHAMPIONS 22-11, 11-1 LSC
1988-89
LSC CHAMPIONS 18-10, 11-3 LSC
ASU rolled through the Lone Star Conference, suffering only a single loss to Texas a&m-Commerce during the regular season. The Rams then ran the table at the lsc Tournament, including a spectacular 94-73 victory over the Buffs from West Texas State in the title game. In their first trip to the ncaa South Central Regional Tournament, the Rams opened up against the host and top-seeded Indians of Southeast Missouri State. semo proved too much for asu as the Rams fell, 111-75. Guard Robert Barley led asu with 16 points. In the consolation match up, asu took on South Dakota State, but also lost to the Jackrabbits, 89-80. Tim Howard paced asu with 32 points in the loss.
The Rams repeated as lsc champs in 1989, sweeping to the lsc Tournament title with a dramatic 84-66 victory over Texas a&I after having lost to the Javelinas just a few days earlier in the regular season. asu then drew a bid to the South Central Regional Tournament and faced top-seeded Southeast Missouri State in the first round in Cape Girardeau. In a close game, the Indians defeated the Rams, 65-60. Senior Tim Howard led asu in scoring with 14 points. In the consolation game, asu defeated Northwest Missouri State, 89-80. Chris Mason paced the Rams’ attack with a game-high 21 points.
Duri n g th e 20 0 9 S O UTH CENTRAL REGI O NAL Tournam ent versus Southwest Bap
2000-01
LSC SOUTH CHAMPIONS 22-8, 11-1 LSC SOUTH
2008-09
LSC SOUTH RUNNERS-UP 20-9, 8-4 LSC SOUTH
The Rams returned to the lsc Tournament for the first time in 10 years after nabbing the lsc South Division title with an 11-1 record in league play. asu hosted the lsc Tournament in San Angelo, but fell in the championship final to West Texas a&m, 75-73, in overtime. Despite the loss, the Rams were picked for the South Central Regional Tournament at Washburn University in Topeka, Kan. They opened the tournament against another lsc foe, the third-seeded Redmen of Northeastern State. All five Rams starters posted doublefigure scoring performances, but it was not enough as asu fell to Northeastern, 80-75. Terrell Johnston and James Gray led the Rams with 16 points each.
The Rams made their first NCAA appearance in eight years at the South Central Regional Tournament after posting a 20-9 overall mark and placing second in the lsc South Division at 8-4. asu advanced to the lsc Tournament for the second straight year, but an 82-65 loss to Southwestern Oklahoma in the first round forced the Rams wait for an invitation to the regional tournament. asu was chosen as the No. 7 seed in the South Central Region and faced Southwest Baptist, the No. 7-ranked team in the nation, in the opening round of the event held in Warrensburg, Mo. The Rams battled with sbu through the final horn, but fell to the Bearcats, 89-84. Shavar Burch scored a game-high 27 points and Ryan Bennett added 20 points for asu.
west Baptist Un iversit y, Shavar Burch sco red a gam e- h i g h 27 po i nt s .
“I had a chance to play for Coach Rike at Memphis. He is one of the more passionate coaches in the game today. I’ve been around and worked with many coaches who are considered to be the best coaches in the game from high school to the NBA level, and Coach Rike is right there in terms of work ethic, passion, player development and leadership qualities. All are valuable in this line of business. Most importantly Fred Rike is a good human being who is loyal. I would let my son play for him any day.” Shyrone Chatman, — assistant coach, University of Massachusetts
24 SHAVAR
BURCH FORWARD
ASU ALMA MATER In time to come when we shall speak of Angelo State University, Then let us raise our voices in praise of the truth we seek to set us free. In time to come when our ideals shall become reality, Then let us praise the, Alma Mater, Angelo State University.
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ASU Fight Song You’ve got to do your best to stand the test For old ASU Hang your name in halls of fame For all the world to view. Rah! Rah! Rah! Raise her banners high in the sky Praise her brave ones as they go by, Hail Alma Mater Hail, Blue and Gold of ASU
BEST OF THE BEST ANGELO STATE PLAYERS RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE
1 RICHARD
ALL-AMERICANS 1993 2010
Ed Wheeler, Center LaMarshall Corbett, Guard
FIRST TEAM ALL-LSC SELECTIONS
1984 1985 1987 1988 1989 1992 1993 1994 2001 2002 2007 2008 2009 2010 2010 2011
THOMAS GUARD
Greg Wolff, Forward Tony Mathews, Guard Tim Howard, Forward Tim Howard, Forward Tim Howard, Forward John Thompson, Guard Ed Wheeler, Center Ed Wheeler, Center Darwin Carter, Guard Tyree Williams, Forward Marcus Hubbard, Forward Marcus Hubbard, Forward Lionel Brown, Guard LaMarshall Corbett, Guard Stavon Williams, Guard Richard Thomas, Guard
SECOND TEAM ALL-LSC SELECTIONS
1984 1985 1985 1988 1988 1988 1989 1990 1994 1995 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2003 2005 2008 2009 2010
Kenny Smith, Guard Kenny Smith, Guard Don Johnson, Center Bobby Darnell, Center Chris Mason, Guard Glen Noesen, Guard Chris Mason, Guard Jeff Fudge, Guard Alan Bradley, Guard Alan Bradley, Guard Gerald Morris, Forward Cameron Henderson, Forward James Gray, Guard Corey Williams, Forward Germaine Chase, Forward Toby Thompson, Guard Kenny Smith, Guard Denell Stephens, Forward Ryan Bennett, Guard Johnny Barnes, Forward
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23 JoHNNY
BARNES Forward
LSC MVP/PLAYER OF THE YEAR 1976 1989 1994 2010
Dennis McLaughlin, Guard Tim Howard, Forward Ed Wheeler, Center LaMarshall Corbett, Guard
LSC DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR 1989 1995 2001
Bobby Darnell, Center Scott Plemons, Guard James Gray, Guard
LSC FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR 1990 2011
Chet Byerly, Guard Andre Adams, Guard
LSC NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR 2009 2010 2011
Lionel Brown, Guard LaMarshall Corbett, Guard Richard Thomas, Guard
LSC COACH OF THE YEAR 1984 1988 2001
Ed Messbarger Ed Messbarger Joe Esposito
NATHAN’S AND HOLLAND’S AWARD WINNERS Sportsmanship Teamwork Most Conscientious Ability Those words are inscribed on the plaques that bear the names of each award winner. These awards are given annually at the spring asu All-Sports Banquet to the top student-athlete in each sport, as voted on by their teammates. From 1965–97, these awards were presented by Nathan’s Jewelers, and asu is immensely grateful to “Babe” Donsky and her late husband, Nathan Donsky, for their role in founding and sponsoring the awards. Beginning in 1998, Holland’s Jewelry became the sponsor for these prestigious awards.
1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Charles Spieker Alex Decuir Danny Sponhaltz Laurin Prather Willie Hill Willie Hill Phillip Ned Charles Williams Oscar Lott Dennis McLaughlin Roy Moore Dennis McLaughlin Dean Young Harold Taylor Harold Taylor Tommy Tyler Jeff Burdick Tino Wilson Tommie Tyler Greg Wolff Mike Jones Mark Williams Tim Howard Glen Noesen Tim Howard Chris Mason Darnell Roberts Vernon Ragsdale John Thompson Andre President Ed Wheeler Scott Plemons Ken Gaines Blaine Brunson Marlon Hall Brian Kusnierz Gerald Morris Chris Connolly Cameron Henderson Justin Hardin Tyree Williams Toby Thompson Nate Gordon Kenny Smith Marlow Rockwell Turner Phipps Nathan Walton Maso Hamilton Johnny Barnes Trey Mays Joey Lenox
24 joey
lenox Guard
Ridge McKeither is the 51st player to turn pro under Coach Rike's guidance.
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23 Ridge
McKeither Forward
1956-57 SAC TEAM ROSTER 10 Jay Hawley 11 Phil Addison 12 Frank Treviño 13 Milton Nickel 14 Albert Miranda 16 Billy Tankersly 17 Larue Robinson 19 Don Kountz 20 Rex Rearden 21 Rex Nichols 22 Arnold Patton 44 Bill Jiles Coach Phil George
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George Leads
‘Battling Rams’
to 1957 NJCAA National Title
The 1957 Rams basketball team, coached by the legendary Phil George, posted a 31-2 record on its way to winning the National Junior College Athletic Association (njcaa) National Championship.
The only two losses for San Angelo College, as asu was then known, came at the hands of senior college programs as the Rams were the only team to go undefeated in junior college play that season. Characterized as “too short and inexperienced to win a national championship,” the “Battling Rams” knocked off Eastern Arizona University, 63-51, in the title game in Hutchinson, Kan., to bring home what is still the only basketball national championship in school history. “The way this season has turned out has been beyond my wildest dreams,” George commented in 1957. “Team play, that’s what has done it all year, boys working together and not getting point-hungry. Notice how the scoring is always split up among different fellows. That’s what makes a team.” Milton Nickel and Larue Robinson served as co-captains of the Rams championship squad. Jay Hawley was named a njcaa AllAmerican and Frank Treviño was an All-Pioneer Conference selection. Upon the team’s return from the national tournament, Nickel and Robinson presented the national championship trophy to San Angelo College President Raymond Cavness. Rams football coach Max Bumgardner called the basketball championship run “the greatest feat of coaching and playing” he had ever seen.
“Team play, that’s what has done it all year, boys working together and not getting pointhungry.” —Phil George Head coach, 1957
Winning Leadership
Tim Howard showing off his hoop skills during a game.
A renowned coach and a former Lone Star Conference mvp represent the asu Rams basketball program in the Angelo State Athletic Hall of Honor— Ed Messbarger and Tim Howard. A legend in the coaching profession, Messbarger was inducted into the Hall of Honor in 2012. He was recognized for guiding the Rams for 20 seasons and compiling a 268-289 record during that period. He coached Angelo State to a pair of lsc titles and was named the lsc Coach of the Year in 1984 and 1988. He is also the first coach in Texas to win 600 games. At the time of his retirement from coaching, Messbarger ranked third in ncaa Division II for career wins with 665, and was second all-time in coaching appearances at any level of play. He is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame as well as university halls of fame at St. Mary’s and Northwest Missouri State. He was enshrined in the lsc Hall of Honor in 2006. Howard became the first Rams basketball player inducted into the Hall of Honor in 2010. A forward from Fort Worth, he led the Rams to their firstever ncaa D-II Tournament appearances
in 1988 and 1989, and was named lsc Most Valuable Player in 1989. Individually, Howard stands out as the Rams all-time leading scorer with 1,844 points. He also ranks first on asu’s career list for field goals made (690), second in rebounds (629) and free throws made (401), and eighth in blocked shots (39). Together, Messbarger and Howard helped lead the Rams through one of their most successful periods from 1985–89, compiling a 69-46 record over that four-year span.
(above) Tim Howard receives the Hall of Honor trophy from Ed Mussbarger. (left) Tim Howard presents a signed jersey to Ed Messbarger. The plaque at the top reads: “Thank you Coach Messbarger, From your players, 1978–1998,
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ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Helping our student-athletes achieve academic success is essential for our program. In addition to having academic resources within the Athletics Department, our athletes also receive assistance from other programs available to all asu students. Athletic Study Center
The goal of the Athletic Study Center is to act as the primary academic support contact for student-athletes. The center holds the office of the Athletic Academic Coordinator (acc) for easy visibility and reach. The center houses laptop computers, printers, and individual and collaborative work stations.
Advising
All academic advising is provided through the individual colleges and academic departments.
Academic Progress
During each semester, the acc surveys the professors of each student-athlete three times. In each grade check, professors are asked to provide academic progress information such as attendance, current grade, atrisk or not, and any additional comments.
Mentorship
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The acc provides weekly sessions with mentors for studentathletes identified as “at-risk� based on acc and coach recommendations. During the sessions, grade updates and upcoming assignments are discussed. Assignments are reviewed and study plans are implemented if necessary.
Tutoring
Free tutoring is available for student-athletes in Angelo State University’s Tutor Center. In addition to having tutors available for nearly every general education class as well as many upper-level classes, specialized tutoring units include the Math lab, Writing Center, Modern Language tutoring, Accounting lab and Supplemental Instruction (si). The si program offers extracurricular peer tutoring groups for traditionally tough classes. Study sessions are led by students who have completed and earned high grades in the courses. si sessions are conducted multiple times throughout the week.
GAME DAY FEEL THE
TRUE BLUE
SPIRIT OF ASU
Roscoe b. 1970 A perpetual junior with a major in animal science and a minor in communications, Roscoe D. Ram is the son
of Buck and Ewenice Ram of San Angelo. In his spare time, he hangs out with the brothers of Pi Kappa Alpha.
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Celebrating the official kickoff of basketball season, this annual event is held during Homecoming.
RAMS IN THE COMMUNITY Rams players help local children improve their basketball skills.
ASU FACTS Established in 1928 Funded by local contributions and a selfimposed county tax, San Angelo Junior College opened its doors in 1928 on North Oakes Street near downtown San Angelo.
ASU'S MASCOT
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Dominic
A purebred Rambouillet ram, Dominic stands as a proud symbol of Angelo State University and the institution’s ties to the region and its people. A domesticated breed originating in Spain over two centuries ago, the Rambouillet are compact, white-wooled sheep with rams that proudly carry long, curving horns. The first Rambouillet ram “Shorty” was donated to the college in 1940 by area rancher D.T. Jones, who had two daughters attending the school. Jones’ generosity typified the West Texas spirit and the support asu has had throughout its history from the people of San Angelo and the surrounding area.
FOUNDED IN 1931
LONE STAR
CONFERENCE ASU, MEMBER SINCE 1968
N E W M E X I C O
O K L A H O M A
T E X A S
Abilene Christian Abilene, Texas
Angelo State
San Angelo, Texas
Cameron University Lawton, Oklahoma
Eastern New Mexico
Portales, New Mexico
Midwestern State
Wichita Falls, Texas
University of the Incarnate Word
San Antonio, Texas
Tarleton State
Stephenville, Texas
Texas A&M Commerce Commerce, Texas
Texas A&M-Kingsville Kingsville, Texas
West Texas A&M Canyon, Texas
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Affordable for all. Better than you imagine. Closer than you think.
angelo.edu angelosports.com