2009-2010 News

Coach Sautter Returning in Fall

Western Texas College President Mike Dreith says Coach Jason Sautter will be back on the bench next fall to once again pilot the Westerner Men’s Basketball team.

“There have been consistent rumors that the Coach was moving on,” said Dr. Dreith. “And I want to quell those rumors. Coach Sautter assures me he will be back on the bench next year and he will be extended a contract by the college.”

It will be the third year for Sautter whose teams have compiled a 38-22 record. The rumors started to swirl after the Westerners failed to advance to post-season play. Dreith said the lack of a playoff berth had no impact on the college’s decision to bring back Sautter.

“In the world of college basketball, it is a common ploy for competitors to plant such rumors to gain a recruiting advantage,” said Dreith. “This rumor is not based in fact. 

A Home Away From Home

Phelix Davis is freshman at Western Texas College who didn't have a hard time adjusting to the college environment. 

Davis, a 5-11 guard for the men's basketball team, came to Snyder from Houston.

"I was really informed that is was a place that would really push me and make me better," he said. "What I like about WTC is the class sizes and the teachers. The class sizes aren't so big so I can really interact with other students, and if I have any questions in classes, the teachers are willing to help me."

Davis decided to come to a junior college to get a taste of what attending a university would be like.

"I hope to gain knowledge so that when I do transfer to a major university, it won't be much of a difference since junior college prepared me," he said.

Transitioning from the big city life to small town life in Snyder wasn't a big deal for Davis.

"It wasn't really hard for me to make the transition from my life prior to college because I have parents that are really supportive and help me along the way," he said. " The hardest part has been transitioning to Snyder. I'm from such a large city that has a lot of people and a lot of things going on all the time."

Davis and the Westerners will take on New Mexico Military Institute at 7 p.m. Monday at the Coliseum.

WTC - Grayson Advance

A pair of unbeaten teams will clash Thursday at The Coliseum.

Western Texas College (6-0) received poll votes for the first time since the sport returned after topping Lee College last Saturday, while Grayson Count College has reeled off six straight wins to start the season.

WTC is led by Will Harrison, who is averaging 20 points a game while shooting 78 percent from the field. Sophomores Trevor Charles, Jeremy Jones and D’Angelo Williams all are averaging more than `10 points per game.

Grayson, located in Denison, has defeated North Oklahoma and Murray State College.

Thursday also will be WTC Faculty Night. College faculty will dine at the end of the court at 6:30 p.m. and members of the faculty will be introduced on the court at halftime, where they will compete for prizes in contests, including a putting challenge.

Westerners Improve to 6-0 on Hardwood

The WTC Westerners improved to 6-0 on the hardwood over the weekend, beating a game Lee College squad, 74-69.

Will Harrison led the team with 20 points and 15 rebounds, while Jameal York canned 13 and pulled in eight boards. D’Angelo Johnson added 11 points, and Trevor Charles knocked in 14 and added eight rebounds.

The Westerners will battle Grayson College at the Coliseum at 7 Thursday night, before heading to Midland College for the Midland Classic Friday and Saturday.