Men's Basketball Reunion story; McMurry vs. Hardin-Simmons

I'm sitting court-side at Hardin-Simmons' Mabee Complex in preparation for the McMurry vs. Hardin-Simmons women's and men's basketball matchups. I still contend after living here for nearly 20 years that it provides the best college-sports atmosphere that Abilene has. It particularly is good when both teams are highly successful and the student sections from each school give a strong showing. But nonetheless, there have been some great battles in both men's and women's games over the past few years here. The women's game should provide a strong matchup tonight because HSU is fighting to get back in the postseason tournament race. McMurry is fourth in the ASC West while Hardin-Simmons is just behind at fifth and needs to move to fourth to make the tournament in late February.

The other special thing about this matchup is the annual "Kiwanis Club of Abilene Shootout" which benefits the Hendrick Children's Miracle Network. Over the years, the Kiwanis Club in association with both Hardin-Simmons and McMurry has raised over $20,000 to aide the Meek Children's Hospital.

Below are some pictures of the McMurry men's and women's teams making a visit to the hospital. Thanks to women's head coach Veronica Snow for the pictures.





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The McMurry men's basketball reunion featuring teams from the 1998-2001 seasons that combined for a 73-9 record and two-straight NCAA Tournament appearances was a success. Head coach Ron Holmes welcomed back nearly 20 players from that era. They were honored at halftime of the men's game vs. Concordia-Texas Saturday and a meal was held in their honor at the Wingate Hotel following the game.



Sam Waller, McMurry's beat writer for the Abilene Reporter News, was able to catch up with a few players, Holmes and Gerald Coppedge a former assistant. Check his article here.

Stay tuned ...
--KR