RAMS RECEIVE WHITE HOUSE RECOGNITION
June 5, 2006

FORT WORTH, TX:  The accomplishment of the 2005-06 Texas Wesleyan University men’s basketball team has been well documented.  Since defeating Oklahoma City University 67-65 on March 21, in the NAIA Division I Championship Game, the team has received numerous awards and honors including resolutions and proclamations from two city councils, the Tarrant County Commissioners Court, the Texas State Senate, and United States Congress.  Now, the President of the United State can be added to that list.

Last month, head coach Terry Waldrop received a letter of congratulations from President George W. Bush (see below).

The 2005-06 Rams solidified their place in school history when they defeated Carroll College 73-70 to advance to the Fab Four for the first time in program history. They then defeated Oklahoma Baptist, 83-72, to advance to the title game. In the title game, All-American Ben Hunt scored a career high 34 points including a three with 0.2 seconds remaining to seal a 67-65 win, and etch Texas Wesleyan’s name into NAIA history.

The Rams' 25 wins were the second most in school history while their 16 conference wins were a school record. They also set 14 school records after setting a remarkable 17 in the previous season. The team featured a pair of All-Americans in Hunt and Khayri McKinney.  In addition, Evan Patterson was named NAIA Tournament MVP while coach Waldrop received both the Rawlings-NAIA and National Association of Basketball Coaches NAIA Coach of the Year award.