The Pirates for Pirates Challenge is happening now, and this is your opportunity to give back with your support for Men's Basketball!

This season, we are excited to blend some key returners with veteran transfers who are proven producers at the college level. Our first-year class has great potential, and we are eager to watch them grow. Our roster is dynamic and diverse, including representation from 7 different states and 2 different countries. Our location and campus community have been tremendous assets to our recruiting efforts, leading people to want to come here. I want to continue to build a top-class program that our alumni and athletes are proud of. We'll open our season on the road at East Texas Baptist on Saturday, Nov. 7, and then our first home game will be Thursday, Nov. 12, against Texas Lutheran at 5:30 pm. Hope you are able to come or tune in to watch!

The Paul Peak Classic will be on Nov. 14-15, with an open practice on Saturday afternoon, a banquet that evening, and a game against the University of Dallas on Sunday at 2 pm. In February, we will induct two alumni into the Hall of Fame: Ron Chovanec '91 and David Delnero '93. I hope many of you will be able to come back to campus for one or both of these weekends. More details to come. 

We will have six flights this season, including conference travel to Maryville, TN. With our return to SCAC in 2026-27, I want to continue offering elevated travel experiences and see some competition both out of state and conference. Next season, we'll be competing against the University of Chicago and Pomona-Pitzer Colleges in Chicago, IL, in mid-November. This will be a completely fundraised trip, and all athletes will be traveling. This kind of exposure supports the program's growth and development while increasing our national recognition.

We truly need your support to continue to offer a high-end experience for our athletes. Our goal this year is to have 50 donors during the Pirates for Pirates Challenge. When we reach our goal, the rest of our coaching staff and I will be suited and booted in full cowboy attire for our scrimmage on November 1. 

Reaching this goal will also unlock an additional $1,500 to the program. Merriman Morton '63 is offering a generous matching gift opportunity to double your impact, giving $1 for $1, up to $2,500! Gifts of all sizes collectively impact our programs and elevate the experience each athlete receives.

Thank you and Go Pirates!

Matt Streich
Head Men's Basketball Coach