Our Lady Of The Lake University Saints Men's Basketball
Introduction: The Legacy of Our Lady of The Lake University Saints
Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) is a private, Catholic university located in San Antonio, Texas, with a commitment to education and social justice. Since its establishment in 1895, OLLU has been producing leaders and scholars, and its basketball team, the Saints men's basketball, is no exception. The Saints have a rich history and legacy of producing talented players and winning games. In this article, we will take a closer look at the OLLU Saints men's basketball team and their journey to success.
The Journey to Success: The Early Years
The OLLU Saints men's basketball team started in 1953, and since then, they have been competing at the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) level. In the early years, the team struggled to compete against some of the bigger and more established programs. However, even in those early years, the Saints showed determination and grit that would become their trademark.
In 1967, the Saints experienced their first winning season and were crowned the Texas Conference Champions. This was a significant achievement for the team, and it set the tone for future success. Over the next few decades, the Saints continued to improve, and in 1992, they won the Red River Athletic Conference and advanced to the NAIA National Tournament for the first time in school history.
A New Era: The Arrival of Coach Russell Vanlandingham
In 1995, the OLLU Saints men's basketball team hired Coach Russell Vanlandingham to lead the program. Coach Vanlandingham had an impressive background, having played college basketball at Texas Tech University and served as an assistant coach at the University of Texas at Austin. Under his leadership, the Saints began to achieve even greater success.
In his second season as head coach, Coach Vanlandingham led the Saints to a record-setting 31 wins, capturing the Red River Athletic Conference Championship and advancing to the NAIA National Tournament for the second time in school history. Since then, the Saints have made several appearances in the NAIA National Tournament, and Coach Vanlandingham has established the program as a powerhouse in the region.
The Players: The Heart of the Team
While the coaches and the program as a whole have been instrumental in the success of the OLLU Saints men's basketball team, it is the players who truly embody the spirit and determination of the program. Over the years, the team has produced many talented players who have gone on to play professionally and achieve success in life beyond basketball.
One of the most notable players in OLLU Saints men's basketball history is Roger Mason Jr. Mason played for the Saints from 1999-2002 and was a two-time NAIA All-American. After college, Mason went on to play in the NBA for over a decade, playing for teams such as the Washington Wizards, San Antonio Spurs, and New York Knicks. Mason credits his time at OLLU for helping him develop the skills and work ethic necessary to succeed at the highest level.
The Future: Continuing the Legacy of Success
As the OLLU Saints men's basketball team looks towards the future, they are poised to continue their legacy of success. The team is currently led by Coach Ryan Wall, who took over the program in 2019. Coach Wall has a proven track record of success, having led other programs to conference championships and postseason berths.
Under Coach Wall's leadership, the Saints are focused on building a culture of hard work, teamwork, and determination. The team is made up of talented players who embody these values, and they are committed to continuing the tradition of excellence established by those who came before them.
Conclusion: The OLLU Saints Men's Basketball Team - More Than Just a Team
In conclusion, the OLLU Saints men's basketball team is more than just a team - they are a symbol of determination, hard work, and excellence. From their early struggles to their current success, the Saints have always embodied these values, and they continue to inspire and motivate those who support them. As the team looks towards the future, there is no doubt that they will continue to achieve great things and make their mark on the world of college basketball.