OKWU Sports
Nick Morris, Sports Information Director
BARTLESVILLE – Oklahoma Wesleyan University has named Donnie Bostwick the new head coach for the OKWU men’s basketball program, announced today by Mark Molder, OKWU’s Director of Athletics. After a six-year stint at Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie, Texas, Bostwick returns home to Oklahoma Wesleyan where he began his head coaching career in 2007.
“His record and accolades speak for themselves, but Donnie truly represents what OKWU and our Athletic Department are all about,” Molder said. “We’re expecting Donnie to excel in his mission field of being a coach by leading his players in their spiritual growth, making sure they excel academically and leading them to play at a high level on the basketball floor. This is a homecoming for Donnie, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome him and his family back.”
During his time leading the Eagles men’s basketball program, he held a 120-20 (0.857) record over the span of his four years at the helm. He led OKWU to a National Championship in 2009 and also set a NAIA Division II record with a 39-game winning streak. Bostwick was named NAIA National Coach of the year in 2009 and 2010 and Conference Coach of the Year in 2009 and 2010.
While at SAGU, Bostwick compiled a record of 152-56 for a winning percentage of 75%. He led the Lions to multiple conference championships and also a runner-up finish at the 2013 NAIA National Tournament. Coach Bostwick was named Conference Coach of the Year in 2013, 2014, and 2017, and was the NCCAA National Coach of the Year in 2013.
“I will be forever in debt to the SAGU family for the love they have given both me and my family, but I am excited and so thankful for this opportunity to return to Oklahoma where my family and so many of my close friends await,” Bostwick said.
Placing Christ at the center of his teams by applying biblical principles and seeking God’s presence has proven to be a winning strategy for Bostwick. A record of 271-76 places his 78.1% winning percentage at the top of active NAIA coaches and would rank him in the Top 15 of NCAA coaches all-time.
When it comes to active coaches, he only ranks behind Mark Few (Gonzaga) 81.1%, Roy Williams (North Carolina) 79.1%, and John Calipari (Kentucky) 78.2%. Bostwick has directed and worked camps nationwide for nearly 30 years. In 2015, he was selected as a 2015 USA Basketball Coach. His 2015 team traveled to Angola, Africa where they defeated the African National Champions. Including his wins as an assistant coach, Bostwick has compiled 512 career wins.
In addition to Coach Bostwick’s professional accolades, he considers his greatest success to be at home, where he and his wife of 25 years enjoy raising their four children and are thrilled to bring their family back to their Bartlesville home.
“I want to thank OKWU, Dr. Piper, and the administration for once again giving me the opportunity to lead Eagles Basketball. I look forward to what God has in store at OKWU,” Bostwick said. “Bartlesville is a basketball town and I can’t wait to see the Mueller Sports Center packed with rowdy fans. I believe God has big things planned, greater than we can dream or imagine. I’m elated to be back!”
College Head Coaching Overview (2007-Present)
2009 National Champions, 2013 National Runner-Up.
NAIA DII record 39 game winning streak.
NCCAA National Coach of the Year (2010, 2013)
NAIA National Coach of the Year (2009, 2010)
78.1% Winning Percentage.
Averaging 27.1 wins per season.
Conference Coach of the Year (2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2017)
Conference Championships (2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014)
Final Four Appearances last 10 years (NAIA – 2009, 2010, 2013) (NCCAA – 2012)
NAIA National Tournament Births 12 of last 13 Seasons.
NABC Speaker/Clinician 2011 NCAA Final Four in Houston.
Five NAIA Players of the Year since 2006.
Twelve NAIA All-American Honorees.
Nine Professional Players in NBA –D-league, Asia, Europe, Africa, South & Central America.
NAIA Champions of Character Award Winners both Team and Individual Honors.
Recruited and developed the no. 1 and no. 3 top 3pt shooters in college basketball history.
(Brandon Cole made 527 3pt FG’s (42%), Steve Brigg made 498 3pt FG’s (42%)
Both were National Players of the Year, Won National Championships, and played professionally.
2014-15 Team Defeated African Champions Angola in a Preseason Tournament.
Assistant College Coaching (1997-2007)
2005 National Champions.
Four Straight NAIA National Tournament Births (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006)
Head High School Coach (1994-1997)
1996 Oklahoma Class 4A State Championship Runner-Up.
Coach of the Year Honors (63-20 record)
College Basketball Player (1987-1991)
1991 NCCAA National Champions, NCCAA All-American, NAIA All-District.
Career 46% Three-Point Percentage, 89.3% Free Throw Percentage.
High School Player
Four Year Starter at Pryor (OK) High School.
1987 Oklahoma All-State (Top 20 players in the state)