Celebrating Three Decades of Basketball, Character Development, and Christian Community

Keene, Texas — For three decades, the Hoops Classic basketball tournament has stood as a cornerstone tradition at Southwestern Adventist University, shaping generations of student-athletes through competition rooted in faith, character, and community. Established in 1996, the tournament is held annually in Keene, Texas, and attracts hundreds of high school athletes for four days of basketball, fellowship, and spiritual engagement. As Southwestern commemorates the 30th anniversary of Hoops Classic, the event is recognized as one of the largest and longest-running Christian high school basketball tournaments in the North American Division.

The Beginnings of Hoops Classic (1995–1996)

The vision for Hoops Classic was born during the 1995–1996 academic year under the leadership of then-president Dr. Marvin Anderson, at a pivotal moment in the university’s history. At the time, Southwestern’s athletics program was just beginning to take shape, positioning the university among the early Adventist institutions to intentionally invest in intercollegiate sports as a pathway for student engagement and recruitment.

Recognizing the opportunity, members of the enrollment team, Brent Baldwin, who also served as men’s basketball coach, and Victor Brown, the university’s head chaplain, approached Dr. Anderson with a bold idea: host a basketball tournament that would bring high school athletes to campus, showcase their skills, and introduce them firsthand to the Southwestern experience.

The premise was simple but strategic: invite students to campus, immerse them in university life, and build relationships that could lead to future enrollment. What began as a recruitment-focused initiative quickly evolved into a signature event that blended athletics, faith, and community, laying the foundation for a nationally recognized tournament.

Growth Into a National Tradition

Since its inception, Hoops Classic has grown from a modest inter-academy event into a nationally recognized tournament attracting Adventist and Christian high schools from across the United States and, at times, internationally. In peak years, the tournament has hosted between 48 and 56 teams in a single weekend, welcoming more than 750 student-athletes, coaches, sponsors, families, and supporters.

Multiple venues throughout Johnson County are utilized to accommodate the scale of play, creating an atmosphere defined by energy, sportsmanship, and a strong sense of Christian community.

Beyond the Tournament: Emphasizing Holistic Development

While Hoops Classic is known for its high level of competition, its mission extends well beyond athletic performance. The tournament intentionally emphasizes holistic student development by promoting teamwork, discipline, humility, leadership, and respect, both on and off the court.

“Hoops Classic is an opportunity for high school student-athletes to fellowship and compete in a Christ-centered environment,” said Tyler Wooldridge, director of athletics and facilities. “This event is significant for the university, as it allows us to showcase all that Southwestern Adventist University has to offer. I look forward to welcoming participants each year and hope to recruit some of them to become part of our campus family.”

Each year, competitive play is complemented by intentional spiritual programming, including worship services, vespers, music, testimonies, and opportunities for fellowship. These shared experiences foster meaningful connections among students from diverse backgrounds and often provide a first introduction to a Christian collegiate environment.

A Campus-Wide Ministry Through Athletics

Hosting the Hoops Classic has become a campus-wide ministry for Southwestern Adventist University. Visiting students and families experience campus life firsthand, touring residence halls, attending worship gatherings, sharing meals in the cafeteria, and interacting with current students, faculty, and staff.

“While basketball brings students to campus, it is not the only reason they leave impacted,” said James The vice president for student services and long-time Hoops Classic coordinator. “Our hope is that every visitor experience genuine hospitality, builds lifelong friendships, and begins to envision themselves as future Southwestern students.”

Alumni Reflections and Lasting Impact

“Hoops Classic was my first exposure to Southwestern,” shared a former participant who later enrolled at the university and now serves in healthcare leadership. “I came for the competition, but what stayed with me was the sense of purpose and community. That weekend showed me that faith, academics, and athletics could work together, and it ultimately shaped my decision to attend SWAU.” James Smith

Over the years, Hoops Classic has served as a meaningful bridge to higher education. Student-athletes who demonstrate strong character, sportsmanship, leadership, and athletic ability frequently consider continuing their academic and athletic pursuits at Southwestern. Scholarship opportunities and institutional support further reflect the university’s long-term investment in student potential.

Three Decades of Growth and Innovation

Hoops Classic has produced countless defining moments, from closely contested championship games to overtime finishes and packed gyms filled with enthusiastic fans late into the night. To accommodate continued growth, the tournament expanded to include multiple divisions, ensuring fair and competitive play for schools of all sizes.

In recent years, the event has embraced livestreaming and digital engagement, allowing families and supporters around the world to follow games in real time, often cheering from different states or countries.

Honoring the Legacy and Welcoming the Next Generation

Over the past 30 years, more than 65 academies and Christian schools have participated in Hoops Classic, representing tens of thousands of student-athletes. Each school, coach, volunteer, and supporter has contributed to a legacy founded on faith, excellence, and community.

As Southwestern Adventist University celebrates this milestone anniversary, Hoops Classic stands as a testament to the enduring power of athletics to educate, inspire, and unite, demonstrating that when competition and character align, the impact extends far beyond the basketball court.

Invitation to Participate

Schools interested in participating in an upcoming Hoops Classic are encouraged to begin planning early. Coaches, athletic directors, and prospective students are invited to contact the Office of Student Services for tournament registration details, upcoming dates, and information on campus visit opportunities during Hoops Classic weekend. https://swau.edu/campus-life/hoops/

Participating Schools Include:
Advent Ridge, Andrews, Atlanta, Bakersfield, Bass Memorial, Broadview, Burton, CAYA, Chisholm Trail, Collegedale, College View, Conroe, Dallas, Enterprise, Forest Lake, Fresno, Georgia-Cumberland, Greater Atlanta, Greater Boston, Greater Miami, Highland View, Hinsdale, Houston, Huntington Park, Jefferson, Johnson County, Keene, Keene High, Killeen, Los Angeles, Macedonian, Miami Union, Midland, Minnetonka, Modesto, Mile High, Monterey Bay, Nevada-Utah, Newman, North Dallas, North Tampa, Oakwood, Ozark, Parkview, Pine Tree, Puerto Rico Adventist Academy, Redlands, Sandia View, San Gabriel, Scenic Hills, Shenandoah Valley, Spencerville, Spring Valley, South Lancaster, South Texas, Takoma, Tampa Adventist Academy, The Oaks, Thunderbird, Tulsa, Valley Grande, Valley View, Walker Memorial, Weatherford, and Westlake.