Sept. 12, 2008

The Don Haskins Center overflowed with love, laughter, sadness and tears Thursday evening as thousands commemorated The Bear.

More than 5,000 fans, friends and family, to include former UTEP coaches, players and officials attended the three-hour celebration of the life of Hall-of-Fame basketball Coach Don Haskins.

Haskins died Sept. 7. He was 78. It’s hard to say what that is in bear years.

The legendary coach was remembered for his generosity, simplicity, and his “wicked, brilliant humor.” There also were references to his tough “are you kidding me?” glare and his “never really mellow” roaring exterior.

Here are some examples of what was said about The Bear:

“Coach Haskins was first and foremost a teacher. He taught his players about basketball … and about life.” —UTEP President Diana Natalicio

“He was the greatest storyteller I’ve ever known.” — Jeff Limberg, longtime area sports anchor

“Right now he's driving around up there in a huge white GMC truck, giving an angel a shot of tequila and roaring on how heaven ain't got nothing on El Paso.” —Jon Teicher, Miner athletics radio announcer, reading a letter from Josh Lucas, who portrayed Haskins in the “Glory Road” movie

“That big rough guy was a teddy bear.” — Irv Brown, a sports radio personality and former NCAA basketball referee

Nolan Richardson

“I’m sure no one will ask how many games he won… They may just ask him how many lives he’s touched.” —former Texas Western College player and national championship basketball coach Nolan Richardson, on when Haskins reaches Heaven

“It was everyone else who lost out on the greatest college experience.” —Dr. Jim “Jimbo” Bowden, an El Paso dentist and former Miner, on believing he was losing out on college life while playing under Haskins

"You didn't play for Coach Haskins. You survived Coach Haskins. He was a master motivator, a master teacher.” —Bowden

"It's not goodbye. It will never be goodbye. Don Haskins will be in our hearts forever.” —Nevil Shed, a member of the 1966 NCAA championship team