1986 Hilltoppers Celebrate Big State Conference Win
For the first time in over 20 years the 1986 St. Edward’s men’s
basketball team won the Big State conference title outright. The Hilltoppers
were part of the Big State conference along with St. Mary’s University,
Huston–Tillotson College, Texas Lutheran College, East Texas Baptist University
and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. The team suffered only two conference
losses that year and swept rival St. Mary’s for the first time in history.
Hilltopper coach Tom Pate was voted the NAIA coach of the year. In 1987 the Hilltoppers
withdrew from the BSC to join the Heart of Texas Conference.
“It was basketball excitement at its finest. It was a team led by the
talent of the underclassmen and the will and experience of the seniors. A combination
of fine coaching and raw talent spelled success for the club; everyone associated
with them, faculty, students and staff, will never forget just how good they
really were.”
St.
Edward's University