LANCASTER – The University of Antelope Valley men’s and women’s basketball teams had the privilege of being recognized Tuesday by the city of Lancaster for the second-consecutive year for its accomplishments on the court during the 2018-19 season.

Both basketball teams and many UAV students, faculty and staff were in attendance Tuesday evening at Lancaster City Hall as both basketball programs were awarded certificates to recognize each student-athletes’ hard word and commitment in the classroom and on the court during last season.

UAV co-founder and Vice President Sandra Johnson was in attendance for the event and said, “Today is just another example of how our community supports its local university. Our student-athletes are being groomed for success by their coaches and by this community, and for our Mayor, Vice Mayor and Councilmembers to acknowledge that today speaks volumes. We’re humbled, grateful and excited to celebrate their success.”

UAV Director of Athletics Anthony Harris presented the City Council with a team-signed basketball, and said after the ceremony commented, “This was a fantastic event. Not only for myself as UAV’s new Athletic Director, but for our athletes as I hope this becomes a tradition. The city honoring our athletic program and these two programs in particular is something we are incredibly proud of and we hope to see continue.”

It was another successful year for both basketball programs, with each team winning the its conference championship game for the second-consecutive season as well as earning their second-consecutive trip to their respective National Championship Tournaments.

After the event, head men’s coach Darwin Cook stated, “This is a great honor for the City of Lancaster to recognize our team again. I hope now our kids can walk around this city and be recognized for their accomplishments – and to have 10 scholar-athletes is a blessing, but now we have to shoot for 25 to earn it next year. Pioneer nation is growing, so if you haven’t heard of us yet – make sure to join us next year for the 2019-20 season.”

And finally, an excited Deon Price, the women’s head coach said, “This is a great honor from the city, but it also a great honor to do something special enough to be recognized by the city. I’m very proud of these young ladies and I hope we can continue this tradition. It’s a good feeling being out here and seeing the team supported and I want to be back year again next year to experience it again.”