A Night with Nolan: Celebrating WTC's 1980 basketball championship legacy

Sep. 11—SNYDER — Western Texas College (WTC) Men's Basketball welcomes Coach Nolan Richardson and his 1979-1980 NJCAA Championship Basketball team back to Snyder for "A Night with Nolan: Honoring the 1980 WTC National Champion Men's Basketball Team."

"A Night with Nolan: Honoring the 1980 WTC National Champion Men's Basketball Team" is scheduled for 6 p.m. Sept. 28 at the WTC Coliseum, 900 East Coliseum Drive, Snyder. For tickets, visit https://wtcedu.me/nolan

"This reunion not only celebrates remarkable achievements on the court, but also reinforces the enduring spirit of excellence and community that defines our institution," Dr. Barb Beebe, college president, said in a news release.

"It's a proud moment for us to honor these outstanding individuals who have left a lasting legacy at WTC."

The fundraising event at the WTC Coliseum serves as a reunion that reunites every living member of the championship team. As keynote speaker, Richardson will share insights that evening from his impressive basketball career.

"After 44 years, the 1980 Westerners Men's Basketball Program will receive well-deserved recognition for their National Championship victory," said Matt Hardy, current WTC Head Basketball Coach. "We feel privileged to honor their legacy."

The evening includes a delicious catered steak or chicken dinner and opportunities to attend a meet and greet with Coach Richardson and the team, depending on ticket choice. WTC will honor the team by presenting them with their championship rings and awards. Hardy also has a couple of special surprises in store.

"I think the team and the community will be moved," added Hardy.

Ahead of the 1977-1978 season, Head Coach Richardson took charge of the Western Texas College Men's Basketball program. In just three years, he posted a record of 101-13 and led the Westerners to the mountaintop. In the 1979-1980 season, Richardson led the Westerners to a perfect 37-0 record and a title win at the National Junior College Championship. The Westerners defeated Jefferson State from Alabama 85-72 for the program's second national title.

"It was pretty exciting around here, having a national championship team right here in Snyder," noted one community member.

Richardson continued his career at the University of Tulsa, leading the team to the NIT championship in 1981. In 1985, the University of Arkansas named him head coach. Richardson led the Hogs to three Final Fours during his 17-year tenure.

The Westerners' 1980 National Championship would not have been possible without star player Paul Pressey. His contributions to the 1980 National Junior College Championship title earned him the NJCAA National

Tournament MVP award. The small forward finished his collegiate career at Tulsa, where his number 25 would be retired.

The Milwaukee Bucks selected Pressey in the First Round of the 1982 NBA draft where he would earn NBA All-Defensive First team in back-to-back seasons, 1985-86. Pressey then played with the San Antonio Spurs and concluded his 11-year playing career with the Golden State Warriors in the 1993 season. He became an assistant coach for seven separate NBA teams throughout 24 years. Reunited with the San Antonio Spurs as an assistant coach, he would win the 1999 NBA Championship.

In addition to Pressey, the rest of the 1980 squad plan to attend and receive their 1980 championship rings and awards. Greg Stewart, Lionel Nichols, and Phil Spradling have passed away, but their family members will represent them at the event. The nine members from the championship team attending will include:

— Freddie Davis, Highland Park, MI

— Bill Patterson, Harrisburg, PA

— Oscar Alvarado, El Paso, TX

— Joey Rosales, El Paso, TX

— Franklin Bennet, Richmond, VA

— Dwain Vantress, New Orleans, LA

— David Brown, El Paso, TX

— Paul Pressey, Richmond, VA

— Jim Price, Gretna, LA

WTC will also welcome four members from previous Westerner teams coached by Richardson. The players include Dwight Williams from El Paso, Texas, who competed on the 1978-79 team; Melvin Patridge and Joey Mendoza from El Paso, who played on the 1978-1979 teams; and Adam Beadle from Las Cruces, NM, who played on the 1977-1978 team.

Western Texas College eagerly anticipates celebrating the 1980 National Championship. Honored by the acceptance and participation of Coach Richardson, Pressey, and former players, the men's basketball program highlights the profound impact and legacy these legends have contributed to Western Texas College. Secure your spot at this historic event by purchasing tickets here: https://wtcedu.me/nolan. For more information, contact Matt Hardy at 325-574-7696 or email [email protected].