Patel has been with the Rangers for the last three seasons with the Red-and-Black. He is coming off a 20-9 season with the Rangers after leading Men's Basketball to a third place regular season finish in the Great American Conference. This was the first 20-win season since the 2017-2018 season.  

 "Coach Patel has done an outstanding job here at Northwestern. His team's play this past year was stellar and I am so proud of the job he did. Our work in the classroom was exceptional posting the highest GPA in recent memory of a 3.39. I know Angelo State is getting a tremendous coach and we will miss Vinay, his wife Megan and son Jaxon. Good things are on the horizon for his program at Angelo" stated Brad Franz. Franz then said "With that being said, Vinay has laid a strong foundation here and I know we will find another exceptional leader for Northwestern basketball."

 In the 2021-2022 season, the Rangers had four members collect all conference honors. Bubba Furlong was named the GAC defensive player of the year winner for the season while also being voted onto the All-GAC second team. Malik Parsons and Larry White were each named to the GAC honorable mention team. Lastly, Eric Hancik was a distinguished scholar athlete being one of eight conference players to achieve this honor. 

 "I am so thankful for the opportunity Dr. Janet Cunningham and Athletic Director Brad Franz gave me three years ago to come to Northwestern.  Brad was instrumental in the success that we had, and I would not have this opportunity without his dedication to our student-athletes, Northwestern, and the community of Alva.  I have met so many amazing people and have made lifelong friendships during my time here." stated Vinay Patel

 Prior to NWOSU, Patel spent four seasons at Oklahoma City University and compiled an overall record of 82-42. He led the Stars to a Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament championship in 2018-19 and a share of the regular-season championship in 2017-18. The Stars advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NAIA Tournament two years in a row while making the tournament all four years. 

Patel was voted the Sooner Athletic Conference and Oklahoma Sports Net Coach of the Year in 2018 when the Stars finished with a 24-9 mark. 

Brad Franz, Northwestern's athletic director, will begin a national search for Patel's replacement effective immediately. 

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