Kurt Budke

I was stunned when I heard the news of a plane crash that killed Oklahoma State University women's basketball coach Kurt Budke, and one of his assistant coaches earlier this week in Arkansas. I did not know the young assistant who died in the accident, but I knew Kurt Budke. Jim Littell, Oklahoma State's associate head coach, said anyone who knew Budke was richer for it. He is right. I officiated women's college basketball for many years. When I think about what I miss about the game, it is the people - people like Budke and Littell. There are not many nicer people in college athletics than those two men. In the hours following the tragic accident, countless people have remembered Budke. They have used words like caring, an exemplary leader, a man of character, a great husband, father and friend. Nice words, for sure. And the truth. Today's Winning Thought: Kurt Budke was one of the good guys, someone you would want your daughter to play for. I am richer for having known him.