Men's Basketball | 2/28/2019 8:32:00 PM

Goodwell, Okla. - Oklahoma Panhandle State University President Dr. Tim Faltyn's word is as good as gold…literally. Just ask Aggies Men's Basketball Head Coach Aaron Coombs.
 
During the 2018-19 season Coombs, who is well-known for his collection of flashy footwear, broke out a pair of gold wingtips that would have made Elvis Presley jealous! The shoes quickly became a signature part of Coombs ensemble, a fact that was not lost on Dr. Faltyn.
 
When Dr. Faltyn, an avid supporter of all things Aggie, had to miss OPSU's Sooner Athletic Conference first-round tournament game versus top-seeded (and NAIA No. 5-ranked) Wayland Baptist last Tuesday due to a prior commitment, he made a promise to Coombs. "I told him I would wear gold shoes like him if they won," Dr. Faltyn said.
 
Well, the Aggies upset Wayland Baptist, 76-67, in that opening round game and advanced to the SAC semifinals on Friday (March 1/6 p.m.) in Oklahoma City. And when Coombs and the rest of the Panhandle team, as well as fans, see Dr. Faltyn at the game, he will be sporting his own pair of gold shoes in a show of solidarity with the Aggies.
 
Dr. Faltyn explained: "Most of our team wasn't even born the last time we went to a conference tournament championship; this is a big deal! If supporting them means wearing gold shoes, then I'm more than willing to do that."
 
For Coombs and company, that support from the highest level of the Aggies' administrative team is invaluable.
 
"I think that tells you a lot about the tremendous support we receive here at Panhandle State," Coombs reflected.  "To know that the University's president is invested enough in our students and staff to go out of his way to do something like this to show his support makes us proud to carry the OPSU name."