The world lost a very special soul this week; his name is Dr. Gayle ‘Doc’ Hopkins.
Dr. Gayle Hopkins will be sorely missed by many the many people he helped, supported and inspired. A UofA Legend, Mentor, Leader, and Hero, he worked in the Arizona Athletics Department for 27 years, retiring as the Associate to the Athletics Director, Alumni Services in 2010 at the age of 68. He reported directly to Athletics Director Jim Livengood.
Not only was he known for his inspirational and supportive qualities, but he was also known for launching the effort to get former athletes to support the programs and be involved in departmental activities.
The students called him Dr. Hop and his old teammates called him Hoppie, he was known around McKale as “Doc.” The nickname he liked most was Doc, it comes from earning his Ph.D. in 1978. This man was a loved and respected; he touched so many people’s lives. You know everyone adored him because he had so many nicknames.
"“I’ve got 100 names – ‘Hippity Hop,’ ‘Jackrabbit,’ ‘Spider.’ I’ve gotten to a point that I answer to all of them that don’t sound hostile. I do respect the word ‘Doc,’ though.” – Dr. Gayle Hopkins."
Dr. Hopkins came from Iowa, just like former Arizona Basketball head coach Lute Olson, who worked with him for years has a ton of respect for him, “Everybody was his friend, and he’s gone much too early.”
KVOA’s Paul Cicala paid homage to Hopkins in his news segment mentioning that this man was, “the mentor, the role model, the positive influence.”
Dr. Hopkins is Wildcats legacy (ArizonaWildcats.com):
- Born on Nov. 7, 1941, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was a star prep athlete, including baseball and basketball, in Davenport, Iowa.
- Before coming to Arizona, he attended Trinidad State (Colorado) Junior College.
- He participated in football and track at the two-year school. On the gridiron, he was named the starting quarterback for the opener in 1960
- He was a standout athlete in track at Arizona
- Olympics: 1964, Tokyo
- Joined the UA staff in 1983 coming from Claremont College where he was track coach and director of physical education to help develop Arizona’s academic services office. He assumed development duties in 1992.
- Local connection: Attended the University of Arizona from 1962 to 1964
- Known for: Was Arizona’s first ever individual NCAA champion, winning the long jump in 1964. That same year, Hopkins made it to Tokyo to compete in the Olympics. Was a charter member of the University of Arizona’s Sports Hall of Fame.
- Returned to Arizona in 1983 to work in the athletic department for 27 years until his retirement in 2010. Stayed active in the community and had worked with the Urban League, the NAACP, the UA Black Alumni Association and other organizations.
- A charter member of the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame
- Received his Ph.D.
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Dr. Hopkins was interviewed after he retired in 2010, he answered questions about the state of college athletics at the time, “In order for role models to exist for our young student-athletes that are minorities, we’ve got to have role models that resemble and relate to what they are, and we don’t have them. There are very few opportunities to even get them.”
Well, Dr. Hopkins, you were that role model for many people who are very grateful and sad to hear of your passing.
Here are some tributes posted on social media to memorialize this wonderful man:
My heart is heavy right now as I find out the passing of my true mentor and friend Dr. Gayle Hopkins…what a strong, intelligent, compassionate, loving, caring, uplifting soul this world has lost.
There’re so many words of reflection I have about this great man…I can’t even begin to frame them all. GOD Bless you Dr. HOP and your family for all you represented and brought to me and this World…my heart cries out!
Edward Caruther (1968: Silver Medalist – Olympics, Gold Medalist – Pan American Games)
I am deeply saddened to here of the passing of Gayle Hopkins. He was my 1964 Olympic teammate. He was very instrumental in my decision to attend the U of A. We were roommates at the 1968 Olympic trials, and we were Inducted into the inaugural U of A Hall of Fame. He was a friend nd will be missed. Condolences to all his family and friends.
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Reggie Geary, Former Arizona basketball star and current coach of the NBL’s Mitsubishi Diamond Dolphins
“A true UofA legend, USA Olympian (1964, Tokyo), and mentor to hundreds (if not thousands) of UofA student-athletes. Dr. Hopkins was ‘old school’ and was there for me with wise advice, a smile, and a pat on the back at a very tough time in my professional career as a young coach. UofA athletics has definitely lost a special father figure in the Wildcat family. RIP Dr. Hopkins!”
Frederick Harvey – UA Head Coach Track & Field
It is never easy to say good by to the physical being of your loved ones! Doc Hopkins, or Hoppie as many of his 60’s friends and teammates called him taught us all so much if you were willing to listen. He lived the 1960’s, one of the most formative periods in our countries history. Whether you know it or not Doc made your time here at the University of Arizona better!!! Much Love always!!! Arizona Letterwinners
Julius Holt, Former Arizona Football Player
Today we are saddened by the loss of a great man and a leader to many in the Athletic Dept and African American community. Especially for those of us who had a direct and personal relationship with Dr. Gayle Hopkins. Dr. Hopkins was that voice we needed at the University that is no longer present, but his blueprint remains and he taught a lot of us the number one rule about athletic politics. Don’t talk, just listen and then develop a plan to get your message across.
Doc Hopkins also encouraged many of us that were close to finishing our degree to come back and finish what we started. See; I remember Doc because he was always my go to guy if I had a problem. He would let me know right off the bat; I’m all in if you did the right thing or things, but I will not defend you if you haven’t done your part.
That didn’t mean he wasn’t in my corner it meant to fix the problem and then we will create a solution, so it doesn’t happen to anyone else. He encouraged me to get my Masters Degree, and he nominated me for the NCAA Minority Leadership Program. I remember when he flew to Indianapolis for my NCAA Minority Leadership graduation and told me he was very proud of where I had come from and all that I had accomplished.
Arizona Wildcats
I will lay witness to this, we landed some very talented student-athletes, because of Gayle’s presence and words of wisdom and the confidence he gave parents and recruits when they came into his office on their official visit. See Doc Hopkins valued a college experience, but he also valued a college degree, and he knew how important that was to student athletes, especially student athletes of color!
Doc Hopkins was a no-nonsense kind of guy; even when he wanted to go to lunch he knew where he wanted to go and what time he wanted to be there, and he never let me pay, but every lunch visit was teaching moment.
Again he would remind me to be a good listener and understand your opportunity might not come within U of A athletics, but your opportunity will come, and you need to be ready to seize the moment. That’s what he would always say to me.
He was also inquisitive to know if you were actively involved in your kid’s life and giving them the best opportunities to compete with society and the world. He would say whatever the sacrifice make sure you provide them with a good education and that you support them in every aspect of their life. Yes,
I’m sad of Doc Hopkins passing, but he gave so much to me while he was alive from his words of wisdom, encouragement, fatherly advice, sweet potato pie and how to drink a good whiskey or scotch.
Doc Hopkins is a man that deserves a special place of recognition within The University of Arizona Athletic Department because he saved lots of lives and prevented a lot of kids from transferring and getting caught up in the streets.
I’m very aware of his athletic achievements, but I am more impressed with the way he leads his life and the lives he touched. I will miss you, Doc Hopkins. Saying less and listening more in the competitive world is paying off and it’s working.
Thank you and God Bless, because Heaven has an angel that will jump through all kinds of obstacles to make the life for young people better and worth while. I love you and will miss you.”
Lisa Napoleon Salgado
Doc Hop was and continues to be a beacon of light guiding young people through this murky world. A beacon because he was always there, always on and always imparting wisdom, encouragement and that million dollar smile. He is not here in the flesh but those he touched are shining in his memory and using the light he passed on, to lead by as example as he led us. We love you Doc!
Here’s some vintage video from a long jump competition in 1963:
Dr. Gayle Hopkins Funeral Services information:
Monday, March 28th, 2016
Bring Funeral Home
6910 E. Broadway Blvd
Tucson, AZ 85710
10 am Public Viewing; 11 am Service