Hall of Fame | 7/25/2024 12:00:00 PM

Goodwell, OK - The Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU) is thrilled to announce that Sidney Diggs Jr will be inducted into the 2024 OPSU Athletics Hall of Fame. A standout athlete at OPSU from 1981-1985, Diggs' a double-double machine during his time here and a 1000 point. scorer remarkable contributions to Aggie basketball have earned him a well-deserved place among the university's legends.

Sidney Diggs Jr, originally from Waynesboro, VA, transferred to OPSU and quickly became a key player for the Aggies. The 1982-1983 season remains one of the most memorable in OPSU history, with the Aggies posting their best-ever record of 35 wins and 5 losses. This extraordinary team, already immortalized in the OPSU Athletics Hall of Fame, was bolstered by Diggs' incredible scoring prowess.

A 1984 article from The Oklahoman highlights Diggs' impact in a crucial NAIA matchup: "Sid Diggs scored 25 points and hit nine consecutive buckets in the second half to pace Panhandle to a 69-65 NAIA men's basketball victory over Southwestern Monday night. With the score tied 26-26 at halftime, Diggs, a senior guard from Waynesboro, Va., helped the Aggies break away and take the lead in the second half. At the 1:24 mark, Diggs' 20-foot jumper put Panhandle up by four points and the Bulldogs could never catch up."

Following his stellar collegiate career, Sidney was invited to showcase his talents in the OKC All-Star Game and later the Northern Eastern All-Star Game in Montana. After his playing days, Diggs continued to contribute to the game he loves by coaching boys' varsity and junior varsity  basketball from 2011-2019 at Waynesboro Public Schools. He also served as an instructional aide within the school district in his hometown.

Reflecting on his time at OPSU, Sidney fondly remembers the influential figures around him, including Charles Thomas, the recruiting coordinator, for seeing something in him, as well a Coach Denny Aye. He credits his teammates and coaches for their significant impact on his life and career.

Being named to the Hall of Fame is a profound honor for Sidney. "It means a lot to me to make a name for myself," Diggs shared. "I wanted to win and get championships when I came to OPSU. Myteam each year was a major part of my success and a major part of my, it's what made me, very fond of every teammate to ever played with me here at the panhandle. I had many accolades during my career at OPSUthe one that meant the most was being named to the NAIA All-American team-3rd team in 1984-85 year. all the years at OPSU were great."

The 2024 OPSU Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on August 31st at 11 AM. The celebration will continue with a 6 PM kickoff of the home opener football game against Wayland Baptist. We look forward to honoring Sidney Diggs Jr and the other inductees on this special day.Join us as we celebrate the legacy and achievements of Sidney Diggs Jr.