The Rambler, Vol. 92, No. 7
Kimberly Cooper, staff writer

     The men's basketball team is looking forward to a new season with returning Assistant Basketball Coach Brennen Shingleton.

     Shingleton's duties involve mainly basketball activities and some academic and personal scheduling.

     "I mainly serve as a motivator, and I bring the energy, but Coach [Terry] Waldrop and I really don't focus on specific roles," Shingleton said. "We just work together to see what's best for the team."

     In his third season as assistant coach, Shingleton said he's very excited about the group of guys the program has recruited.

     "Truthfully, this is the best group of guys we've ever had," he said.

     The Rams rejoined the NAIA conference in the 2002-2003 season and are returning with an overall record of 36-31 from the past two years. Waldrop is returning as head coach for a sixth season after two years as athletics director. Shingleton and Waldrop have known each other ever since Waldrop recruited the assistant coach out of high school.

     "I've known Coach Waldrop for about 12 years, and I was working in the restaurant business in Montana," Shingleton said. "I called him up and asked him if there was anything I could do or help him with, and here I am."

     Shingleton said that his best memories here have been getting to know the players and watching them succeed.

     "It's exciting to see someone who may not have much talent turn into a phenomenal player," he said. "The same [excitement] happens when I see a player who has struggled academically become an excellent student."

     He derives similar pleasure from being successful himself.

     "I want to be successful in everything I do - coaching, being a friend and a good employee," Shingleton said. He doesn't have any definite plans for the future, but he's happy with the here and now.
"Nothing is really set in stone as far as long-term," he said. "I don't have what I'm going to do in five years written down, but as long as everyone's happy, I'm happy."

     Shingleton was born in Pittsburgh and received a degree in sports management from the University of Southeastern Louisiana. He said he enjoys golfing, hanging out and lifting weights. He is currently working on his master's degree in business administration from Texas Wesleyan.

     The men's basketball team takes the floor for their first home game at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 23 at the Sid W. Richardson Center. A special exhibition game will be played against the Dallas Diesel on Nov. 15.

     For more information, contact the athletic office at (817) 531-4857.