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Lou Henson dies at 88
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<blockquote data-quote="chiefini" data-source="post: 1545728" data-attributes="member: 11271"><p>Besides the scores of incredible victories and few heart-breaking losses, I have so many memories and fun stories connected to Lou that come to mind. He was always so friendly and genuine with my family. One major highlight was the O&B scrimmage that Coach gave into me bugging him and let me (and our Rockford Area Illini Club & Cosmopolitan Club) put on at my Rockford Jefferson High School in Nov. ‘88 where over 3,000 fans packed in to see the start of the Flyin’ Illini team that would go on to the Final Four. My husband and I spent many hours in preparation using the 40 page typed guide list he sent to plan every detail, down to how many pieces of chalk and how many erasers he needed in each locker room. Being honorary coaches and then feeding the team and staff in my cafeteria after the successfully sold out game were unbelievably unforgettable. Coach saying in his drawl when my husband offered a coaching suggestion on the bench, “Now, Bill...” is impressed forever in my brain. Another wonderful memory was the time Coach spent a few hours one afternoon at our home (where he drank beer in my kitchen) between DeKalb and Rockford IFund events with John Makovic (a jerk by comparison) and Dick Martin. More come to mind, including the honored banner raising and the 100 year anniversary party, but his ever-present graciousness and his friendship will never be forgotten. The Illini Basketball family and Illini Nation mourn the loss of not only a great coach and builder of young men, but an even better person who deeply and genuinely cared about his players, fans, and community. Mary and his family, his assistant coaches, and his players are in our thoughts and prayers. Rest In Peace, Coach. <img class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" alt="🧡" title="Orange heart :orange_heart:" src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/6.6/png/unicode/64/1f9e1.png" data-shortname=":orange_heart:" /><img class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" alt="💙" title="Blue heart :blue_heart:" src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/6.6/png/unicode/64/1f499.png" data-shortname=":blue_heart:" /></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="chiefini, post: 1545728, member: 11271"] Besides the scores of incredible victories and few heart-breaking losses, I have so many memories and fun stories connected to Lou that come to mind. He was always so friendly and genuine with my family. One major highlight was the O&B scrimmage that Coach gave into me bugging him and let me (and our Rockford Area Illini Club & Cosmopolitan Club) put on at my Rockford Jefferson High School in Nov. ‘88 where over 3,000 fans packed in to see the start of the Flyin’ Illini team that would go on to the Final Four. My husband and I spent many hours in preparation using the 40 page typed guide list he sent to plan every detail, down to how many pieces of chalk and how many erasers he needed in each locker room. Being honorary coaches and then feeding the team and staff in my cafeteria after the successfully sold out game were unbelievably unforgettable. Coach saying in his drawl when my husband offered a coaching suggestion on the bench, “Now, Bill...” is impressed forever in my brain. Another wonderful memory was the time Coach spent a few hours one afternoon at our home (where he drank beer in my kitchen) between DeKalb and Rockford IFund events with John Makovic (a jerk by comparison) and Dick Martin. More come to mind, including the honored banner raising and the 100 year anniversary party, but his ever-present graciousness and his friendship will never be forgotten. The Illini Basketball family and Illini Nation mourn the loss of not only a great coach and builder of young men, but an even better person who deeply and genuinely cared about his players, fans, and community. Mary and his family, his assistant coaches, and his players are in our thoughts and prayers. Rest In Peace, Coach. 🧡💙 [/QUOTE]
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Lou Henson dies at 88
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