Box Score NATCHITOCHES -- Thanks to their team doctor and a great supporter, the Northwestern State basketball coaching staffs made a fashion statement Friday night as their teams opened the 2013-14 season with convincing wins in a doubleheader at Prather Coliseum.

Wearing pants and skirts with patterns in NSU's school colors of purple and white with orange trim, the coaches stood out as over 1,600 fans enjoyed the home teams sweeping their opening opponents.

The unique wardrobe choice originated in August when NSU staged its bi-annual Scholarship Auction '13 in Prather Coliseum. Team doctor Mike Leddy wore a pair of the specially designed pants to the event, and turned heads as he checked out auction items and mingled during the event.

Former NSU football player and avid supporter John Evans of Natchitoches was among those who admired the bold choice. Evans and Leddy quickly developed the idea of creating a spur-of-the-moment auction item which would result in a donation to the NSU Athletic Association and paying for garb to be worn at the season opening doubleheader by Demon coach Mike McConathy, Lady Demon co-head coaches Brooke and Scott Stoehr and their assistant coaches.

As it played out, Evans was the high bidder, and took great pride Friday night in sitting with his young children across from the NSU bench enjoying the coaches patrolling the sideline in the colorful attire.

Both coaching staffs have indicated they plan to don the gear again another time or two this season.