Jack Avina Update

It's not really about basketball, but the Tribune's Kerry Eggers has a story on how UP's all-time winningest basketball coach is doing ... and it doesn't sound like he's doing too well:

http://www.portlandtribune.com/sports/story.php?story_id=129304989407662900

Long story short: Jack lost his wife of 57 years in September, and as can be expected, he's having a hard time. I'm wondering if there's something the University and/or the alumni could do for him. Stonehouse?

My heart definitely goes out to Jack. Nice article by Kerry.

I do know that the January 29 game against St. Mary's is going to be an alumni night where they will be inviting back all former players and do a special recognition of the 1996 NCAA tournament team (15 years!). I know that Reveno has reached out to Avina and that he occasionally comes to games and practices... so perhaps he will attend the alumni night as well and be recognized by the crowd. I don't know though - I think really it will be up to Jack and what he feels comfortable with.

But it's definitely worth thinking about... we really should try and do something for him.