FORT WORTH, Texas - The Texas Wesleyan University Baseball Team and Department of Athletics announced today that it would discontinue its annual baseball banquet beginning this year. This year's event was scheduled to take place in January.

     Below is a statement by Wesleyan Athletic Director, Terry Waldrop:

     "The Texas Wesleyan University Baseball Team and the Department of Athletics have made the decision to discontinue the annual baseball banquet held each year in January. Over the past number of years numerous high-profile sports personalities have been invited to be guest speakers and honored by Wesleyan at the banquet including Bobby Valentine, Goose Gossage and Bob Lily."

     "Despite our best efforts, the last few years have seen a downturn as the result of economic conditions, rising expenses, logistics and various other factors, which have significantly lessened the impact of the baseball banquet. The baseball staff and athletic department felt that under those circumstances the soundest decision at this time would be to refocus our direction."

     "The years of hard work and dedication to the banquet from a multitude of sponsors, supporters, boosters, volunteers and participants will leave a legacy of success. As the primary fund-raiser for the baseball program, the banquet played an integral part in helping the program achieve the prominence that it enjoys today. Wesleyan is most grateful to all those individuals who served them well for so many years and for the opportunity to partner with the community-at-large in support of Wesleyan athletics. We are looking forward to continuing the great relationships that have been formed as a result of these individuals and partnerships."

Go Rams !!