Coach Don "The Bear" Haskins.     Photo: File - VPC - UTEP Athletics

After a long bout with illness "The Bear" headed for his final hiberation. Coach Don Haskins passed away on Sunday, September 7, 2008.

The city of El Paso and the UTEP staff and students were in shock. The man, who came to El Paso to give basketball coaching at the college level a try, brought fame and notoriety to El Paso and Texas Western College and then later to UTEP.

Coach Haskins was remembered as a great friend first and foremost. And friends remembered him as a great human being that just happened to have learned a great deal about basketball and had a knack for teaching it to others.

Coach Haskins was known as "The Bear" because of his gruff communication style but it could have easily been for his dedication to the game and getting the most out of his players.

"The Bear" making a point.     Photo: File - VPC - UTEP Athletics

Coach Haskins was the first college coach to suit up an all African-American starting five and received for his efforts many threats. However, this was not about to stop him from coaching and winning.

Under Haskins, Texas Western College won the NCAA Basketball Championship in 1966. In 2005 the movie "Glory Road" was produced on the life of Haskins and his run and capture of the crown.

Thanks for everything... Bear.

Sleep well.

Prepared by WestsideReader staff.

(Photos: File - Valley Publishing Company)

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