The NCCAA Southwest Region recently announced selections for 2022–23 men’s basketball honors. Among recipients was Spurgeon College’s men’s basketball coach Billy Livezey, named Coach of the Year. Additionally, two players on the team received national honors.
Livezey, who completed his first year as head coach at Spurgeon this year, led the men’s team in a historic season.
In response to the recent announcement, Livezey noted, “Thanks to the coaches who accepted me into their league, my players for trusting me from day one and fervently buying into our faithful culture, Coach Risher for taking a chance on me, and most importantly, my beautiful wife for serving me and the team all year.”
‘An honor well deserved’
Jason Allen, president of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and its affiliated Spurgeon College, noted, “I was very encouraged to see this honor bestowed upon Coach Livezey. It is an honor well deserved. We are so proud of Coach Livezey and our team for a great season. It was an exciting year, and this award and the two other awards given to our players serves as a fitting conclusion.”
Livezey led the Spurgeon Knights to a 14–9 record, and at several points throughout the season the team led the nation in rebounding and scoring, averaging more than 100 points per game.
“The Lord has been too kind and gracious,” Livezey said. “Not many people believed what we could do this year, but these players did. This coach award is the player’s award. They are the ones who put in the work every day and proved a lot of people wrong, and some people right. I’m thankful for these men who are in this program.”
“Above all else though, all glory and praise be to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. To Him be the glory.”
Before joining Spurgeon as head coach, Livezey spent seven years in college athletics and has been part of six conference championships and four NCAA national tournament appearances.
In addition to Livezey’s award, two Spurgeon players received national honors — Jude Warren, a junior, won First Team All-Region, and Sophomore Drew Middleton won Second Team All-Region.
Livezey expressed gratitude for his players and their hard work and determination throughout the season.
“I’m so proud of all my players and all their hard work this season, and that goes for Jude [Warren] and Drew [Middleton] too. They worked every day and earned everything that came to them. I am so proud of them and each member of this team.”
Matthew Risher, Spurgeon’s athletic director, said, “Coach Livezey is a proven winner on and off the court. He is the perfect person to grow Spurgeon basketball into one of the best programs in the NCCAA.”
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Brett Fredenberg and originally published by Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
