The 2024 Southern Nazarene Homecoming marks the 60th anniversary of intercollegiate sports here at Southern Nazarene University, formerly Bethany Nazarene College (BNC). In 1963, David Baker was hired to develop a complete intercollegiate varsity athletic program and it has gone through many changes to be the program it is today.
In 1964, BNC athletics started with one sport, men’s basketball, and has now expanded to 22 varsity sports. Most of this expansion was made under the leadership of former Athletic Director Bobby Martin, after whom the Sawyer Center basketball court is named. Bobby Martin made significant contributions to the SNU athletics program before shifting responsibilities in 2019 when Danny Thomason became the new Athletic Director. Under Thomason, three new sports have been added: men’s and women’s rugby, bowling, and STUNT. He expressed his pride about the growth of the athletic programs saying, “All along, I feel like we have not lost sight of SNU’s mission, ‘to make Christ-like disciples through higher education.’”
Throughout the 60 years of the university’s intercollegiate sports history, SNU has claimed 13 team national championships. Men’s basketball has won three titles, women’s basketball has claimed eight, and the women’s golf team has secured two. In addition, SNU’s track and field program has achieved 13 individual national championships. These championships have warranted several national tournament appearances throughout the years. Since SNU transitioned from the NAIA to NCAA Division II of the Great American Conference (GAC), the university has experienced immense success. This includes GAC conference tournament appearances and championships that have contributed to SNU’s rich history in intercollegiate sports.
Examples of SNU’s recent success in its sports programs include the SNU women’s rugby team coming off of a back-to-back LoneStar Conference Championship in both the 15s and 7s, and finishing the season ranked sixth in 15s, and ninth in 7s. The SNU football team posted their best record in DII history during the 2023 season, making their first bowl game appearance. SNU softball claimed their first GAC Tournament Title this past season, and their first Central Regional Finals, while also claiming the first DII 40-win season. Most recently, the SNU women’s basketball team won back-to-back GAC regular season titles. They also earned the No.1 seed in the Central Region Tournament and hosted the Central Region Tournament for the first time in program history.
The 60th anniversary of intercollegiate athletics is more than just an anniversary; it is a time to remember all of the hard work people have contributed to the athletic programs over the last 60 years. As Thomason says, “A staggering number of administrators, staff, coaches, and student-athletes have accomplished so many incredible things over the past 60 years with transformed lives being number one!” Looking forward, Thomason hopes to “improve overall academic performance across the board,” showing the university’s dedication to athletics and academics of every student-athlete attending this university.
Thomason also discussed his vision of improving recovery and fitness options, improving facilities, including brand-new construction, and increasing the operational endowed fund by at least 100 percent for all student-athletes. Most importantly, he expects the future of athletics at SNU will continue to align with the mission it strives to uphold every day.
For junior SNU women’s basketball player, Carley Gasaway, the athletic program has been a place of support for athletic and personal growth. “I’ve been given the opportunity to grow in my faith, resiliency, hard work, patience, and ability to communicate, and work with others.” She continues, “Every person in the athletics department, from our coaches to trainers, to the athletic director, to the booster club, and fans… everyone truly cares about you and desires to build connections with you! It really does feel like a family and I can’t imagine that’s common anywhere else.”
Today we relish the contributions of all athletes who paved the way for future generations and we will continue to celebrate athletic achievements. As we honor their legacies, we stay dedicated to fostering an environment that supports talent, perseverance, and sportsmanship, ensuring that SNU athletics will thrive for many years ahead.
Photos courtesy of SNU Fred Floyd Archives