PITTSBURG, Kan. — Pittsburg State University and University of Central Oklahoma officials have partnered to revive one of the nation's top NCAA Division II men's basketball neutral site tournaments – the High Desert Classic – for the 2023-24 season.
The High Desert Classic was held annually in mid-December at Las Vegas, Nev., for 18 seasons between 1993 and 2010 and co-sponsored by long time University of Central Missouri and UCO athletic directors Jerry Hughes and John "Skip" Wagnon.
Hughes, who passed away on Jan. 21 following a brief illness, served as Athletic Director at UCM for 40 years and had been employed by his alma mater since 1979. John "Skip" Wagnon served as Director of Athletics from 1986-2003, overseeing the department's move into Division II. He also served as men's golf coach, head athletic trainer, and Alumni Director for the university at different times during his 25-plus year career at Central.
This year's tournament, which features 10 teams and 10 games to be played Dec. 18-19, will be held in memory of Hughes and Wagnon.
"We are very excited to take part in reviving this great tournament and doing so in honor of two pillars of NCAA Division II in Jerry and Skip," PSU Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Jim Johnson said. "I know Stan (Wagnon) and the folks at UCO feel the same way about co-hosting a premiere D2 men's basketball tournament and paying tribute to two tremendous men who had such impactful lives."
"We are looking forward to bringing back an exciting and high-quality tournament and we are thrilled to do so in honor of Jerry and my Dad," UCO Director of Athletics Stan Wagnon said. "Working with Jim and his team at Pittsburg State has been great and we're thankful for their hard work and cooperation to do this. We are confident we will be able to put together a great tournament."
The tournament, which will take place at Desert Oasis High School, features PSU and UCO and well as MIAA members UCM and Rogers State. Additional participants include the University of Colorado-Mesa, Henderson State University, the University of Missouri-St. Louis, Simon Fraser University, Truman State University and West Texas A&M University.
PSU and UCO officials have indicated they intend to make the High Desert Classic an annual event once again.
"UCM is looking forward to the return of the Las Vegas High Desert Classic," UCM Interim Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Kathy Anderson said. "This is a tremendous way to honor both Jerry Hughes and John "Skip" Wagnon, and I want to thank Pittsburg State and Central Oklahoma for bringing back this outstanding event. There will be quality basketball and many memories shared."
2023 High Desert Classic Schedule
Monday, Dec. 18
Rogers State vs. Simon Fraser, 10 a.m.
Colorado Mesa vs. West Texas A&M, 12 p.m.
Pittsburg State vs. Truman State, 2 p.m.
Central Oklahoma vs. Henderson State, 4 p.m.
Central Missouri vs. Missouri-St. Louis, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 19
Simon Fraser vs. Colorado Mesa, 10 a.m.
West Texas A&M vs. Rogers State, 12 p.m.
Henderson State vs. Pittsburg State, 2 p.m.
Missouri-St. Louis vs. Central Oklahoma, 4 p.m.
Truman State vs. Central Missouri, 6 p.m.
**Home team each game is listed first; All times are Pacific Standard Time
