After finding out that he was battling health ailments earlier this week, legendary Arizona Basketball coach Lute Olson has passed away.
It was the day we were all dreading to see happen, the day that legendary Arizona Basketball head coach Lute Olson would pass away. Well, last night we faced that unfortunate reality.
It was just earlier this week that we all found out that Lute was not in good health and was facing some serious health issues. Unfortunately our time with him after receiving that news wasn’t long, as Lute passed away Thursday evening.
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While the news broke via social media, it hits everyone very hard, especially in a year where so much has happened.
Lute leaves behind not only a loving and tremendous family that has done so much for the city of Tucson, but also a community and fan base that fell in love with the man that made this city a destination over 30 years ago.
Just 85 years old, Lute has had an amazing impact on so many! From the tremendously talented basketball players that have come to Tucson and gone on to do great things, but he also inspired and united so many virtually everywhere.
For me, he gave me dreams of playing inside McKale for the Legendary head coach and for the amazing Tucson community. Now granted that never happened, however, he gave me a love for college athletics that is unparalleled.
I know others share similar memories, and I’m sure for many, some of which are greater than what I’ve experienced.
For me, I will never forget my favorite Lute encounter. I remember when I was about 10 years old, I was in line picking up tickets with my dad outside McKale Center. It was right before what I assumed was practice.
While I was waiting until my dad finished, I looked up and saw this silver-haired man wheeling up to my dad and I in a golf cart. Next to him was none other than Arizona quarterback Ortege Jenkins in his basketball practice gear.
The encounter maybe lasted only a minute or two, but I fondly remember Coach O and OJ chatted with me briefly, before Coach left off by saying I better be at the upcoming game, before the both of them smiled and sped off.
Now I’m sure many others have even greater memories than that, but it was moments like this that made many fall in love with the man.
Whatever he had, he just had IT. He knew how to connect with anyone he met, no matter how big or small the interaction, he knew his impact and he always could unite the community.
We all will mourn the loss together and celebrate the life of an amazing man! Bear Down always, Lute!