OSU Women's BB Coach and Asst Killed in Plane Crash | TigerFan.com

OkieTigerTK · Nov 18, 2011

STILLWATER, Okla. -- Oklahoma State University women’s basketball coach Kurt Budke and assistant women’s basketball coach Miranda Serna were killed along with two others Thursday night in a plane crash in Perry County, Arkansas, according to OSU.

The two other victims of the fatal crash, the pilot and another passenger, were not affiliated with the university.

Budke and Serna were on a recruiting trip to Arkansas.

“The Oklahoma State family is devastated by this tragedy,” said OSU President Burns Hargis. “Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of Kurt Budke, Miranda Serna and the other victims.

“Kurt was an exemplary leader and a man of character who had a profound impact on his student-athletes,” Hargis said. “He was an outstanding coach and a wonderful person. We send our deepest sympathies to his wife, Shelley, and their children, Sara, Alex and Brett.

“Coach Budke elevated our women’s basketball program to new levels of success,” Hargis said. “He and his staff raised our profile in the nation’s toughest conference.”

“Miranda was an up-and-coming coach and an outstanding role model for our young ladies.”

Mike Holder, OSU vice president for athletics, said, “We are shocked by this terrible loss. Kurt Budke was an incredibly positive influence on his players and was a tremendous coach. He quickly turned our program around and put Cowgirl basketball on the map. Miranda was a tireless worker and great recruiter.”

Holder said Jim Littell, associate head coach, would assume duties as interim head coach. The university announced the Cowgirls will not play games scheduled Saturday and Sunday. OSU counselors and athletic staff are offering assistance to the Cowgirl student-athletes and staff.

Budke was in his seventh season as Cowgirl coach, with an all-time record of 112-83. His team was 1-0 after a convincing victory over Rice Sunday. Under his direction, OSU made postseason appearances each of the past five seasons, including three trips to the NCAA tournament.
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Read more: OSU Coach Kurt Budke, Asst. Coach Killed In Plane Crash - Sports News Story - KOCO Oklahoma City

second time members of the cowboy athletic family have been killed in a plane crash. awful. prayers to their families.

islstl · Nov 18, 2011

Pilot was 82. An ex Oklahoma senator (Brandstetter sp?). His wife was on board as well, 79 years old.

Plane was made in 1964.

Pennsylvania · Nov 19, 2011

islstl said: ↑

Pilot was 82. An ex Oklahoma senator (Brandstetter sp?). His wife was on board as well, 79 years old.

Plane was made in 1964.
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I just heard about the 82 year old pilot. That is a little disturbing.

MLUTiger · Nov 19, 2011

82 year old pilots actually know how to fly and not just pres the buttons that make the aircraft move. I think that members of the OSU basketball department should just stay away from airplanes. They're snakebit.