Hoops for honor

Reanna Gonzalez
11 February 2026

General Sports Student Life

Military Appreciation Games at D.L. Ligon on Saturday

Reanna Gonzalez
11 February 2026
2 min read

Midwestern State University and Sheppard Air Force Base enjoy a partnership, and MSU Athletics gets a chance to participate in Military Appreciation Days.

The Mustangs basketball programs are anticipating a large and lively crowd Saturday when they play host to Texas A&M-Kingsville for Military Appreciation Day at D.L. Ligon Coliseum. The women’s game tips off at 1 p.m., with the men’s game starting around 3 p.m.

Students and community members from the Wichita Falls area are likely aware of Sheppard Air Force Base (SAFB). And Sheppard, like the MSU campus, is a notable part of the community that makes the city unique and interesting. From having military members attend classes on campus or online to showing appreciation for the service the base offers our country, MSU Texas is a proud supporter of Sheppard AFB.

Kyle Williams, MSU Texas athletic director, said the campus holds a Military Appreciation Game for the last home football game, a basketball doubleheader, and even some home soccer games. Additionally, SAFB and MSU Texas Recreational Sports have flag football and basketball games on campus.

“Our athletes love the opportunity to honor our military and are very grateful for the freedoms we have in America,” Williams said.

Military members having a joyful time at Military Appreciation Game at MSU Texas — Military members from Sheppard Air Force Base enjoying a Midwestern State basketball game at D.L. Ligon Coliseum. (Photos by Logan Spikes/MSU Texas)

Military member holds up MSU flag in support of the Mustangs at Miliary Appreciation Game in 2025

These games create a valuable sense of community for both the service members of Sheppard and the MSU athletes. Williams said the games serve as a chance to showcase the teams and hopefully make fans of those who attend. At each of these events, service members sit in a designated seating area where they are introduced by squadron. Williams stated that he’ll be buying around 100 pizzas for the SAFB personnel at Saturday’s games.

Williams believes having SAFB members present will contribute to the home court advantage, which the Mustangs used to their advantage a year ago, sweeping the women’s and men’s games from Angelo State. He said they are expecting around 200 military members to attend this year. He added that Sheppard even offered to help with concessions and clean up this year, further demonstrating that sense of community.

“The relationship is really good and certainly MSU has reached out to make sure they know we want them here on special events for sure,” Williams said.

For students, attendance at MSU Texas athletic events is free with student ID.