Don Haskins, an El Paso icon, passed away today. I grew up going to UTEP Basketball games with my dad and watching “The Bear” coach. Something about his personality always reminded me of my grandpa, firm yet underneath the rough exterior was a gentle side. He coached at UTEP for close to 40 years, and then lived the rest of his life out here in El Paso. If any of you have not had a chance to see the film “Glory Road”, it is time. It’s a great story of his success and the change that he brought to basketball. He will be missed.
I always wondered if my Grandpa named his son after Don Haskins. I guess I need to go visit him while I still have time, especially now that I am reminded how short life is.
2 comments:
Just this morning Justin was looking at the picture of Don Haskins in the paper and commented on how he reminds him of your Grandpa. Like you said rough but gentle.
I've always thought there was some of Grandpa in him too! I was surprised how sad and nostalgic I thought when I heard the news. So many good El Paso memories and childhood nostalgia ran through my mind! And to think I actually had the pleasure of going to the premiere of Glory Road with Uncle Keith!! (It came out when they were living in Vegas) He made us get there soooo early and was grinning from ear to ear the entire time. At the end he yelled out, "Go MIners!" It was great.
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