Iowa State University has announced legendary men’s basketball coach Johnny Orr has passed away at the age of 86.
Orr coached at Iowa State from 1980 to 1994, compiling a record of 218-200. He retired as the winningest coach in Iowa State men’s basketball history.
Current Cyclone head men’s basketball coach Fred Hoiberg played for Orr for three years while at ISU and calls Orr his hero.
“As a kid, just to see him walk out of that tunnel was what you waited for on game nights. Just to see his enthusiasm and passion. He was a father figure to so many of us. He impacted so many lives and made all of us better people. Not only was he a great basketball coach, he was even a better person,” says Hoiberg.
Orr leaves behind a wife, three daughters, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one daughter.
Funeral arrangements for Orr are still being made.
Love ya Coach, thanks for everything. pic.twitter.com/hD0wvk9pH7
— Fred Hoiberg (@CoachHoiberg) December 31, 2013
Feel such loss w/news of Johnny Orr's passing. Can't overstate how much he meant to Cyclone nation. Legendary figure. Funny man.
— Keith Murphy (@MurphyKeith) December 31, 2013
RIP Coach Orr! Amazing man and The Father of Hilton Magic!! Coach will be remembered by so many for so much!#thankscoach!
— Bill Fennelly (@ISUCoachFen) December 31, 2013
I still can't find the words. I just loved Johnny Orr. He lived life the way its supposed to be lived, and touched so many people. RIP Coach
— John Walters (@JWcyclonestv) December 31, 2013
A friend just called to tell me about the passing of Johnny Orr – just saw him about 7 weeks ago at Iowa St & Michigan game – May he RIP
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) December 31, 2013
Thank you Johnny…. pic.twitter.com/W1SiuaRutW
— Ed Wilson (@EdWilsonWX13HD) December 31, 2013
Whether you're a Cyclone, Hawkeye, or non-denominational, you had to like #JohnnyOrr. You'll be missed, Coach. http://t.co/lZhoKnQkEP
— The Notorious RGT ❄️ (@hawkeyerob) December 31, 2013
What fun Johnny Orr brought to basketball. #GreatMemories
— Independence Iowa for Yang (@JimGillespie9) December 31, 2013
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