Oklahoma Wesleyan University Basketball: A History of Faith, Teamwork, and Triumph
Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OKWU), a private institution rooted in the Wesleyan Church, has a rich history extending beyond academics into the realm of athletics. The OKWU Eagles, particularly the men's basketball team, have carved a notable place for themselves in the university's story, marked by significant achievements and a commitment to values both on and off the court.
Origins and Evolution of Oklahoma Wesleyan University
To understand the basketball program's significance, it’s helpful to know the university's origins. OKWU's history is a tapestry woven from several institutions. In 1905, the Rocky Mountain Missionary and Evangelistic School was established in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Miltonvale Wesleyan College, affiliated with the Wesleyan Methodist Denomination, followed in 1909 in Miltonvale, Kansas. The present-day Oklahoma Wesleyan University emerged from a series of mergers, reflecting a dedication to providing Christian higher education. Central Pilgrim College was founded on the Bartlesville, Oklahoma campus, consolidating the Colorado Bible College (Colorado Springs), the Pilgrim Bible College (Pasadena, California), and the Holiness Evangelistic Institute (El Monte, California). In 1958, Colorado Springs Bible College acquired the current campus and began operating as Central Pilgrim College in 1959. The campus included La Quinta Mansion, formerly owned by oilman H.V. Foster. In 1968, the school became Bartlesville Wesleyan College, coinciding with the merger of the Pilgrim Holiness and Wesleyan Methodist denominations into the Wesleyan Church. Miltonvale merged with Bartlesville Wesleyan College in 1972. The campus expanded over the years, adding dormitories, the Campbell Science Building, and the Haltom Campus Center.
The Rise of the Eagles: A National Championship
The Oklahoma Wesleyan Eagles are members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) since the 2015-16 academic year. They also participate in the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA), primarily competing as an independent in the Central Region of the Division I level.
The pinnacle of the OKWU men's basketball program arrived in 2009. Under the guidance of former head coach Donnie Bostwick, the team secured the NAIA Division II Men’s Basketball National Championship title. This victory marked a historic moment for the university and the athletic program.
The Championship Mindset: Faith, Confidence, and Teamwork
Key players like Sadiel Rojas and Steve Briggs played crucial roles in achieving the championship dream. Rojas reflected on the team's mindset: "We felt like we were the best, and that confidence, with faith, kept us from breaking late in close games when adversity came all year." This quote encapsulates the blend of self-belief, spiritual grounding, and resilience that defined the team's success. For both Rojas and Briggs, the most cherished aspect of that championship run was the team itself-the close bonds forged on and off the court and the shared experience of achieving a significant goal together.
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Lessons Beyond the Court: Humility, Hard Work, and Spiritual Grounding
The experiences at OKWU left a lasting impact on both Rojas and Briggs. Graduating in 2011 with a degree in Business Marketing, Rojas fondly recalls his time at OKWU, with many memories centered around his passion for sports. Looking back, both men offer advice to current OKWU students. Rojas emphasizes the importance of appreciating the time spent at OKWU: "Don’t take your time at OKWU for granted… You will be grounded spiritually and held accountable by your peers, faculty, and staff, and that is something you cannot put a price on.” They remember the encouragement and support they received from various individuals during their time at the university.
Their wisdom for today's OKWU Eagles athletes is simple yet profound: be humble and work hard. Briggs advises, "Work hard at your sport and believe in yourself no matter what anyone tells you. Put God first and be humble." These principles reflect the values instilled at Oklahoma Wesleyan University, emphasizing character development alongside athletic achievement.
Giving Back: Coaching and Mentoring the Next Generation
Since graduating, both Rojas and Briggs have continued to pursue their passion for basketball, using it as a platform to impact younger generations. After a professional playing career, Briggs transitioned to coaching, establishing a basketball skills training program. This program focuses not only on developing basketball skills but also on shaping young boys into men of character. Rojas embarked on a similar path, founding iRebound Youth Enrichment Foundation in 2009, a non-profit organization.
Oklahoma Wesleyan University Today
OKWU remains committed to its mission of providing higher education within a Christian environment. A longtime member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU), in 2015 the university withdrew from the organization. On August 15, 2016, OKWU joined a court challenge to a 2011 mandate from the U. S. Department of Education.
Oklahoma Wesleyan University continues to uphold its commitment to academic excellence and spiritual development. The university offers a range of residential academic programs.
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