Hall of fame Illinois basketball coach and ambassador Lou Henson passed away peacefully in his Champaign home Saturday, July 25, 2020.
A Fighting Illini legend and ambassador, Lou Henson touched so many lives over the span of his 41-year coaching career. Below are some stories from fans and friends
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Watching Lou stand up to bob knight and calling him a classic bully there will never be a greater man or coach.
Bill Morgan
My great Nephew, Paul Atkinson of Yale was named to the Lou Henson All America team this past season. I went to my firtst Illini game because of Lou. He was a great coach and a better person. RIP Coach.
Miles
Charlie and I had a great visit with Mary and Lou in Chicago some years back...it was at the Hyatt...we sat at a table across from them in the restaurant and we shared our love for the Illini and loving basketball and told him how much we enjoyed the games played and witnessed many of them...he and Mary were very gracious and so kind to us.
Blanche M. Finn (Charles E. Finn, Deceased '55)
In my four years at a Illinois, 1977-1981, I never missed a home game. My best memories are from inside Assembly Hall. Here are is a photo of students camping out for tickets during that time.
He will be missed.
Judy Beluscheck Coady
I always enjoyed going to his basketball camp. You worked hard, had fun at it, and just to see him around was awesome. He truly made you feel special for attending the camp. He was a class act on and off the court. He will be missed at basketball games. We truly have an angel watching over our program.
Much Kearney
My son, who is currently an Illinois cheerleader, and I ran into Coach Henson prior to a basketball game about 10 years ago. As always my son had his orange and blue wig on and I asked Coach Henson if I could get a picture of the two of them. He said sure and then spent several minutes talking with us. A friend of his then came up and said hello and figuring we had taken up enough of his time we left to go to our seats. Coach Henson called out to us and asked us to come back which we did. He then ended the conversation with his friend and spent several more minutes talking Illinois basketball with us. Such a nice person who will be greatly missed. RIP Coach.
Marc Bussan
In 1982, Illinois State University coach Bob Donewald--whose team had played Henson's Illini in the 1980 NIT--walked into the Pan American Center, New Mexico State's arena, ahead of a Missouri Valley Conference game with New Mexico State. Right at the entrance was a huge picture of a youthful crew-cut coach Lou Henson with a big smile on his face. The frequently-dour Donewald smiled back at the picture, then shook his head and said "1,000 miles from Illinois, and the first thing we see is 'Smiling Lou.'" After that, every time I watched a Henson-coached Illini team, I thought about that smile, and how it contributed not just to coach Henson's success, but also to the success of people around him, and how it impacted basketball from Illinois to New Mexico, and beyond. RIP, coach Henson!
Tom Lamonica, retired Sports Information Director at Illinois State University
On many college campuses football and basketball coaches vie for the attention of the fans. When I arrived in Champaign, Lou was more than gracious in greeting me. He was clearly the main attraction in town. As our football team gained in popularity Lou was always a great cheerleader for our success. I genuinely admired him and his dogged approach to coaching that he exhibited. He demanded excellence. He made me a better coach. I join the Illini Nation in honoring his life.
John Mackovic
"This is my trademark," Henson told me in regards to his orange blazer during our exclusive interview at the 2018 Hall of Fame ceremony. He then discussed how, at age 86, he's still swimming laps at Bromley Hall; which is where I lived when I was there, so we then discussed what we like so much about the building."
https://www.thesportsbank.net/illinois-illini/lou-henson-passes-away/
Paul M. Banks
As a student and active alumnus of the University, I was fortunate to cross paths with Coach Henson on numerous occasions - one, however, stands out. I was in San Antonio for the 1998 Final Four with a friend. We were dining along the Riverwalk which was packed with basketball fans and coaches. My friend said "Look! There's Lou Henson." I glanced up, he saw me, took Mary by the hand, walked over to our table and said "Jim! How are you and how are your parents!?!" My parents, like the Hensons lost a son, and when Lou Jr. passed away my parents reached out to the Henson's and shared their story and mutual grief - something Coach Henson never forgot. We chatted for a bit before he and Mary left to make their own dinner reservation. My friend said - "I can't believe he recognized you and knew your name!?!" It didn't surprise me - that was Lou Henson - everyone he met was a friend. Illini Nation ... we have lost one of the University's greatest assets! RIP Coach Henson.
Jim Fessler
"Coach Henson was a frequent visitor to Arthur, and to Delbert's Clothing men's clothing store in Arthur.
He formed a friendship with John Watkins, the owner of Delbert's. He happened to be in Arthur one evening, and John brought him along to our Arthur Association of Commerce dinner meeting, not to speak, just as a friend. John was not in the best of health at that time, and choked on some food, and excused himself to go to the restroom. Of course, everyone knew John Watkins, but who quickly got up to go check on John Watkins in the restroom . . . . . . Lou Henson hurried to the restroom to check on John.
Kevin Huffman
I always liked Lou and I was thrilled that our fraternity got him to speak at our annual dinner in the late '80s. During Q & A, a member asked him confrontationally, "why is it we get the best recruits, we have the best fans and we still don't win?" Lou smiled and said, "It's got to be the coaching". It was funny and graceful and he put the guy in his place without being defensive. I loved it.
John Schmitt
Work several Lou Henson basketball camps in the 80's. What a gentleman and coach! Saw him at the Final Four nearly 15 years after working for him and he still remembered me and knew my name!! Loved to hear him talk about shooting! Sweet Lou, great memories! Rest In Peace!
Les Wilson
I can't find anyplace to make a comment about Lou Henson's death, so i'll do it here. Class man!! I'm a two-degree alumnus of OSU and have been at the the University of Minnesota since 1981. He was always class, the kind of coach/person.leader/mentor we so need today. I will donate to one of the family's suggested charities. My heart goes out to all Illinois alumni/alumnae.
Steve Carnes
Lou was always so involved in the CU community -- even in his later years, he volunteered to go to many outreach events. It was great for the youth in the community, and he was alway so humble and kind. He would strike up conversations with everyone, not just those who were "important".
Cathie S
My Grandma knew how much I loved Illinois and Coach Henson. Unfortunately, I lived in Minnesota and only could watch games on TV. She lived in Fairmount, IL and somehow found out where Coach Henson lived. This is 1988 and I was 14.
She drove to his home, went up to his door with an Illinois pennant, and asked if Coach Henson would ‘sign this for my grandson'. He graciously did and it still hangs in my office today. Think about that scenario today. You couldn't imagine doing that in 2020....."call our PR/Marketing dept.," I would suppose would be the recommended course of action today. Not Coach Henson. He seemed to genuinely be involved with the community and aware of what the Illini program meant to so many people.
Tom Foley
I took a Leadership class in the College of Ag during my Senior year (1981). One of the assignments was to interview a leader I admired and write a paper on the experience. I chose Lou. I simply picked up the phone and called his office. After explaining what I was doing, he told me to meet him at Assembly Hall the next day after practice. We spent 20 minutes talking Leadership! He could have easily said "no thanks kid, I'm busy". Instead he took the time. He was a good man. RIP Coach Henson! Thank You!
Doug VanVooren
While a student at Illinois, I worked in the Sports Information Office late in Coach Henson's tenure. I had limited contact with him, but when we did cross paths, he was always kind. It didn't matter who you were; Coach Henson always had time to say hello and have a conversation. I remember he was also very supportive of the entire Illinois program, not just the basketball team. He would attend other sporting events, just as he did in his later years after returning to Champaign. He was a class act and a true Illini ambassador. Rest in peace, Coach Henson.
Ed McGregor
I Was Watching The Big Ten Elite About Lou Henson Great Coach And Great Person
RIP Lou Henson 1932-2020
Adrian Jeannette
As an inside memory for everyone all I have to say is Tic-Tacs. Coach loved tic tacs and he would run during practice and he always had tic tacs in his pocket. We could here them rattling as a ran and it made us smile and laugh.
Denny Gorsuch, 1984
Two words. Class act. Thank you for all the great memories. You will be missed.
Craig Hieser
Several years ago, we went to a spring "Coaches Caravan" in Bloomington. Lou came in and sat at a table next to us. It wasn't long before folks started approaching him to talk and inevitably ask to have a picture taken. Lou asked Deb if she'd take a picture of the first people to ask. Well, she became Lou's photographer for the next little while, as Lou graciously had pictures taken (by Deb) with countless fans. It wasn't until we were on the way home that we realized that we had neglected to have our own picture taken!
Bruce & Deb Baker
My freshman year the Illini went 5-18. They brought in highly regarded Gene Bartow from Memphis. He promised a great season. They went 8-18 and Bartow left to coach at UCLA. So they brought relatively unknown Lou Henson in from New Mexico State. He said the team didn't know the first thing about defense. In fact he said Audi Mathews, the teams top player, "Couldn't play defense against a chair." The Illini went 14-12. Looks like Lou new how to teach defense.
Jim Glauert
When I was an intern and fledging reporter working with the Sports Information Office, Coach Henson would be generous with his time and sit down for interviews in his office. I remember several times sitting in his office waiting on him to finish his walking routine around the Assembly Hall before he sat down for a few good minutes with the Coach. Always accommodating, even with an intern!
Ross Cavitt Lou was a warm, gracious gentleman, a class act. He welcomed me into the Illini family and made me feel special and appreciated. He had a way of doing that with people, all people. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend some time with Coach; I wish it could have been more. He will be dearly missed. God bless, Lou.
Paul Kowalczyk
Fortunate enough to play on Lou's Las Cruces High team in '61-62, and on NMSU "reserves" in '66-67. Great influence on my approach to life/career/etc., will always be one of my greatest memories- never yelled at us or used a whistle, but when he stopped practice with a quiet "Boys, boys"- you knew it was time listen! Thanks, Lou, and rest well! Bruce Rollings
Lou Henson started the Orange Crunch, just to get vocal fans to come to games. I was at a meeting with Lou and many people in the Varsity Room underneath the football stadium. I was an active member of the Orange Crunch (still have the 2nd year shirt) along with Jim Zeman who recruited me. Lou made Illini hoops significant again. Thank you Lou, you will be missed. Rest easy.
Jan Cohen
In 1979 was taking a plane to Chicago for an interview in Madison Wisconsin. I was on the same plane as the fighting Illini team going to the Alaska basketball tournament. while boarding I was between two of the Illini basketball players who commenting on my small height . Coach Henson apologized for there comments and had me sit near the front of the Britt Air plane. he had the two players involved sitting in thr rear of the plane. I felt bad for them sitting in the cramped back seats but Mr. Lou Henson said they have to learn to show respect for others. I really became a life long fan of Mr. Henson. A very respectful man and well respected by his players. A Great teacher of the game of life and basketball but truly a great man. God bless you Lou
Mark Hink
"I remember in the era of the Original Flying Illini, as an Orange Crush member, A few of us students were traveling from house to house seeking early donations to support the relatively new student Cheering section. We stepped inside a nice home with an Orange front door. It seemed a little strange... we spoke with a very nice "older" lady. The lady asked were we were all from. When I told her I grew up on a farm North of Good Hope, IL, she mentioned that she was from the next town North (Roseville). Then, I looked down at the check she handed us... "Lou and Mary Henson". We were all stunned. I asked if Lou was also home. She chuckled and said "No, tonight he's across the street playing cards with the boys". We then looked through her front window, and there he was with a few of his buddies!
I pray for Mary and their extended family. What a class act. I am proud to have been able to witness and experience this Man's leadership court-side in Orange Crush during my time at the U of I. I.L.L.!!!"
Greg Welsh
"The last time I saw Coach Henson was at the Esquire in downtown Champaign, probably a year ago. He had just finished doing the Sportswriters radio show, and he and Mary were slowly making their way to the door. I was right behind them as they stepped out onto Walnut St. Mary realized the car was too far away for Lou to walk. I offered to sit with Lou on the wall, right next the egghead sculpture, while Mary pulled the car around the block. I thought about snapping a selfie, but I didn't want to be pushy, so we just chatted till Mary pulled up with the car. Lou was everyman. The photo I attached was taken on Lou's 80th birthday at the Esquire."
James Doyle
"When I was in college at U of I, the school had just celebrated 100 years of Illinois basketball. Shortly thereafter, they announced a number of jerseys they were going to honor and hang at Assembly Hall. After the announcement - I decided to make it my mission to get every one of those players to sign a basketball. As part of it, I wanted to get the best Illinois coaches of all time to sign it as well. So after I had collected a good number of autographs, I decided to go to Lou Henson's house (it was pretty easy to find at the time), and I knocked on his door. His wife Mary answered. At first she seemed a little confused - but when she saw my basketball, and I explained why I was there, her and Lou could not have been nicer or more welcoming. They invited me into their home, and Lou immediately signed my basketball. And after that, they took me on a tour of the entire house - which included showing me all of Lou's memorabilia he collected over the years - dating back to his high school days. Being someone who was very into memorabilia at the time (and the history of Illinois basketball) - it was an experience that I will never forget. Seeing relics of times I didn't even know about, and then all of the pieces from his career at Illinois - and hearing the corresponding stories from Lou Henson himself was priceless. Then before I left, they not only offered me some snacks - but Mary went to a closet that had a bunch of Lou's books. She pulled one out, and Lou then wrote a personal message to me and signed it. It is rare you meet people like the Hensons. But especially people that are well known and in the public eye. The Illini were lucky to have Lou. The world was lucky to have Lou."
J.J. Painter
"I was in the US Navy stationed in Hawaii when the Fighting Illini came to play in. Holiday Tournament; had the opportunity to meet Coach Jenson out there. I was immediately impressed with the graciousness and friendliness; we had the opportunity to see him and Mary many times over the years and they always so glad to see you like you were their BFFs! Coach, you will be missed And your significant contributions to the U of I and college basketball will never be forgotten! R I P GO ILLINI"
Al Davidson
"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 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.
Babs Erickson
"In 2003 I played in an Illini golf outing at Iron Horse in Tuscola and was fortunate to get to sit by Coach Henson at dinner. Was awesome to talk to Coach for awhile. He was so down to earth. I had never met him before, but he treated me and the guys in our group like we were friends of his. He remembered all our first names after only being introduced once. I was also lucky enough to be an undergrad at Illinois during the 1988-89 Flying Illini season. I had a sign that read, "In Lou We Trust" on the door to my dorm room. My family has so many great memories of Coach Henson and the Fighting Illini basketball team. Too many to write about here. We will never forget what a great man he was."
Chris Weber
"In 1993 I had the pleasure of meeting Lou & Mary Henson at a Champaign restaurant. They noticed that I was wearing a tie with a pastoral scene featuring a ram, and told me that the U of I animal science staff had officially named a ram in their flock in honor of Coach Henson. I then took off my sheep tie and gave it to Lou. To my surprise, a few days later I received an autographed copy of his book, 'Lou: Winning at Illinois.'"
Bob Brown, DeKalb
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