SMU Crum Basketball Center Opening Februrary 2008 Rep. Branch was on hand for the opening ceremony for SMU's new Crum Basketball Center. The new facility contains separate full-size practice courts for both men's and women's basketball teams, as well as locker rooms and lounges, and a fully equipped training and rehabilitation room with in-ground hydrotherapy pools. SMU broke ground on the Center in December of 2006 as part of an effort to recruit more competitively with other schools across the nation. Rep. Branch visits with Mustangs head coach Matt Doherty about the amenities of the new facility.

SMU VP Brad Cheves began the ceremony.

Streamers and confetti flew as the festivities began, and the Center was officially opened.

Other members of the Branch family were on hand for the event.

SMU head cheerleader and former Branch intern Cassie Thiessen helped in leading the crowd in the fight songs. Afterwards, Rep. Branch and Cassie chatted and paused for a photo.