For decades, the ABAC Stallions filled Gressette Gym with rowdy fans and boasted of a full trophy case of league titles won during their storied history.
The program was cut in 2008. But area basketball fans were elated to learn that the University System Board of Regents approved the sport's return last year. After an exhaustive search, Calvin Sinkfield was hired in January as the Stallions' head basketball coach and he is excited to bring that excitement back to the ABAC campus.
"I've known about ABAC for a long time," Sinkfield said. "Since I've been here, everything has been amazing and it's exciting to have the opportunity to bring back something that was such a focal point on campus and in the community."
The return of the program will also include its NAIA debut as well as its entry into the Southern States Athletic Conference. That's a heavy lift for a program attempting to re-establish itself and Sinkfield has been busy putting the pieces into place.
"Restarting a program brings with it a lot of challenges and opportunities," he said. "But I can already tell that ABAC basketball is even bigger than I imagined. I see the possibility of a lot of growth now that we're going to be a four-year program for the first time. It really stretches the imagination."
Sinkfield's first Stallion squad features a combination of freshmen with some junior college transfers. While there are no seniors on the roster, Sinkfield believes he accomplished his goal as he set out with some specific qualifications.
"I wanted players with great character who understand the importance of getting a four-year degree," he said. "One of the biggest thrills of coaching is watching your players graduate and knowing that you've embedded in them as much as you can for success in life after basketball. I'm a competitive and intense coach and I believe that your style of play depends on the talent that you have. As a coach, you have to be able to adjust your style to your players."
The Stallions will first take the court with a scrimmage on Oct. 19 against New Rock Prep Academy before the season-opening matchup with Community Christian College on Saturday, Oct. 26.