OSU coach dealing with sad news again
Published: 2/28/2012 3:01 PM
Last Modified: 2/28/2012 3:01 PM
A tough season just got tougher for Jim Littell.
The Oklahoma State women’s basketball coach lost his best friend when his boss and predecessor, Kurt Budke, died in a November plane crash.
Littell was promoted to head coach following the deaths of Budke and assistant coach Miranda Serna. When announcing the promotion, athletic director Mike Holder said Littell has been a “rock” for the program and the community.
Hopefully, Littell has people around him who can be a rock for him. Littell’s father -- Kenneth Eugene “Gene” Littell of Winfield, Kan. -- died Sunday. He was 87.
It’s hard to wrap up someone’s life in a few words, but here are a few things you may want to know about the man who raised Jim Littell:
Gene Littell served his country during World War II as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps. He worked as a postal carrier and barber, then interrupted adulthood so he could go to college and become a coach and teacher. He loved sports (especially the St. Louis Cardinals) and loved following his son’s coaching career and loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events.
The obituary didn’t say this, but I will: Gene Littell raised a good son.
Jim Littell attended his father’s funeral service Tuesday in Winfield, Kan., and is expected to be on the bench when the Cowgirls play a Wednesday game at Kansas.
--Jimmie Tramel.
Written by
Jimmie Tramel
Sports Writer
