WEATHERFORD, Okla. – The Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Athletic Association is pleased to announce that longtime SWOSU supporters ASAP Energy, Inc. and Pioneer Cellular will be serving as Underwriting Sponsors of the 13th Annual Athletic Auction & Dinner.
 
In this capacity, the two western Oklahoma standards will generously provide key financial support for the gathering which has become SWOSU's largest on-campus fundraising event each year.
 
This year's Athletic Auction will be held on Saturday, August 3rd.
 
"The continued growth of the Athletic Auction would not be possible without the faithful support of our local business partners like ASAP Energy, Inc., and Pioneer Cellular," SWOSU Athletic Director Todd Thurman said. "We are thrilled to have both entities serving as Underwriting Sponsors for the Auction. The private investment from our Underwriting Sponsors is crucial as it helps to ensure that every penny raised at the Auction & Dinner goes to supporting scholarships for our student-athletes and recruitment resources to enhance our athletic programs."
 
For the sixth straight year the Auction will be held inside the Pioneer Cellular Event Center, allowing attendees to enjoy the state of the art facility on SWOSU's Weatherford campus. A silent auction will take place from 5:30 – 7:30 pm with dinner served at 7:30 pm before the live auction gets underway at 8:00 pm. Tickets for the auction are on sale now and can be purchased through the SWOSU Office of Institutional Advancement by calling 580-774-3267 or e-mailing Kayla McQuillan at kayla.mcquillan@swosu.edu. Single event tickets are $55 each presale and $65 each at the door while a sponsorship table seating eight can be purchased for $800. Food and beverage are all inclusive with an event ticket.
 
"We consider it an honor and privilege to partner with the SWOSU Athletic Association to raise much-needed scholarships for our student-athletes and we encourage everyone to come to the amazing Pioneer Cellular Event Center on August 3^rd for what will be a truly fantastic time," said ASAP Energy, Inc. President Rick Koch.
 
All proceeds from the auction benefit SWOSU's athletic scholarships and recruitment efforts. For more information about the auction, visit the website for the event – SWOSUAthleticAuction.com – as it will be updated with a full list of items regularly.
 
"Pioneer Cellular is excited to co-sponsor this year's auction with ASAP Energy. Pioneer is an amazing place to work and takes great pride in our communities throughout our service area. I encourage everyone to come bid on some great items and support the SWOSU Athletic Auction and our student athletes," said Amanda Green of Pioneer Cellular in Weatherford.
 
Anyone interested in donating items to the auction or needing further information about the event is encouraged to contact Clarke Hale by email at clarke.hale@swosu.edu or by phone at 817-707-6795.
 
The SWOSU Athletic Association is a subsidiary of the SWOSU Foundation, Inc., which was established in 1977 to promote philanthropy and distribute funds to support the activities and programs of SWOSU. Located on the Weatherford campus in the historic Burton House, the Foundation currently stewards over $25 million in assets for the benefit of SWOSU.
 
About ASAP Energy, Inc.
ASAP Energy's humble origins start with the first gasoline service station opened by Rick Koch in 1979 at only 18 years of age. By 1985, Koch was selling wholesale fuel to area retailers and in May 2011 Rick Koch Oil Company had become ASAP Energy, a thriving enterprise that continues to maintain the Koch Family standards of outstanding customer service and lasting relationships. For more information please visit www.ASAPEnergyInc.com
 
About Pioneer Cellular
Cellular Network Partnership d/b/a Pioneer Cellular is a Partnership Group comprised of Pioneer Telephone Cooperative, Inc., KanOkla Telephone Association, South Central Communications of Kansas, and Hinton Cellular Company in Hinton, Oklahoma. Launching cellular service in 1988, the group serves customers in 47 counties in Oklahoma and 14 counties in southern Kansas and provides nationwide coverage through roaming alliances with national carriers. Pioneer Cellular provides 4G LTE and 3G EVDO, as well as advanced mobility services and data applications such as Video, Picture, Text Messaging and High-Speed Web Browsing.  For more information about Pioneer Cellular, dial 800.641.2732 or visit GoPioneer.com