Tony Romero is entering his fourth season as the head coach for Central Christian College. Romero served as an assistant for the Tiger basketball program for the five seasons prior (2004-2009). Romero and his staff guided the Tiger's to 62 wins in the last three seasons, including wins over nationally ranked teams and sightings in the NAIA national rankings each of those years. Last year's group ended the season with a 19-13 record and its third straight post season appearance. This is the most wins for Central Men's Basketball as a four-year institution over any three year span. The Tigers qualified for the MCAC conference tournament for the third consecutive year with a 8-6 conference record, the most wins since joining the MCAC in 2002, which included a 2^nd place finish in the conference-the highest finish ever for the men's basketball program. Romero says "last year was yet another step in the right direction for the vision of our basketball program. Our present focus is to build on that success and continue to improve in all areas of our program. Our coaching staff is extremely excited about the potential of this year's group. We return a good nucleus of players and have added a solid crop of new players that are eager to make their mark on CCC basketball. Our staff is eager to lead this group of men."

As a player, Romero was a guard for the Tiger basketball team from 2000-2004. He was a four-year starter for the Tigers and during his playing career at CCC, he was voted "Newcomer of the Year," was a team captain three years in a row and was voted All-Conference MCAC player his senior season. Romero also earned records on the court as one of Central's career leader in points, three point field goals made and free throws made.

Coach Romero grew up in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where he graduated from Del City High School in May 2000. Following high school, Romero received his undergraduate degree from Central Christian College in business management and has plans to begin his master's degree classes this spring.

Romero is entering his 13th year as a member of the Central family. He says "one of the most unique things about Central is the family atmosphere. It is a joy to serve at a school where I have the opportunity to take a family approach to coaching." Coach Romero includes his own family in the process as well; his wife, Lyndsi, likes to cook and bake for the guys while their two sons, Ty and Nathan love to be in the gym or at practice with the team.

Romero met his wife of ten years, Lyndsi, while attending Central. They have been blessed with two boys: Ty Jeffrey (6 years old) and, Nathan Wade who will turn four in February. Coach Romero is also a member of the Residence Life staff here at CCC, as the Resident Director of Parsons Hall. His wife Lyndsi serves in the Financial Aid Office as the Office Manager.

Romero states "I am so humbled from the support and leadership I have received from President Hal Hoxie, and the encouragement from of our Athletic Director Chad Kerr, and Dean of Students Chris Smith, as well as others that support this great school. Their support has enabled me to focus on the retention and development of our athletes both on and off the court as young Christian men. I want our players to understand that we have an ongoing responsibility to create an atmosphere of excitement around men's basketball but a bigger responsibility to continually grow as men in their faith, academics, and relationally. I want our players to leave Central Christian College not only with their degree but also understanding they are better equipped to take on the daily challenges they will face in their faith, work, and as husbands and fathers."

"Our coaching staff works hard to make each player reach their full potential at Central, not only as basketball players, but as Christian men. We pride ourselves on mentoring our athletes on a very real and personal level, and it is our desire that each athlete understand our love of Christ through our actions on the court and in our daily lives. Practice, weight lifting, chapel, team Bible study, and conditioning are all strong parts of the Central basketball program."

Coach Romero and his staff would like to have his team to be defined by the following characteristics:

1. Humility

2. Passion/Commitment

3. Unity

4. Servant Attitude

5. Thankfulness

Last, Coach Romero's coaching philosophy is to teach our student athletes to put "God Above All and Team above Self! "