COLLEGE MEN'S BASKETBALL: Vandals to honor Monson before Saturday's game vs. Eastern
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 7 hours, 36 minutes AGO
IDAHO ATHLETICS Patches in memory of former Idaho Vandal men's basketball coach Don Monson are shown for Saturday's Big Sky Conference opener against Eastern Washington at ICCU Arena in Moscow. The patches were designed by Idaho assistant athletic director of brand engagement and digital strategy Jerek Wolcott.
From news services
MOSCOW — All year long, Idaho athletics has mourned the loss of one of the greatest Vandals in the storied history of the institution after former basketball head coach and player Don Monson passed away in October at the age of 92.
Monson famously orchestrated what is widely considered the greatest season in Idaho Men’s Basketball history when he led the Vandals to 27 wins, a Big Sky title, and a Sweet Sixteen berth in the NCAA Tournament. More importantly, he defined what Idaho Basketball is truly about.
Monson, a Coeur d'Alene High grad, played on a Coeur d'Alene High boys basketball team coached by Elmer Jordan that won a state title in 1949, defeating Burley in the title game in Pocatello.
"Coach Monson is Vandal basketball," Idaho coach Alex Pribble said. "He built this program into a powerhouse during his time here and impacted this university and this community in an incredible way. We are forever grateful for the foundation that he laid here."
In conjunction with Eastern Washington athletics, Saturday’s contest between the Vandals and Eagles, which tips off at 2 p.m., has been dubbed “Don Monson Legacy Night” to pay tribute to a coach who means everything to both programs.
Dan Monson, Don’s son, is in his second year at the helm in Cheney after cementing his status as the winningest coach in program history at Long Beach State.
In addition to recognizing the impact that Monson left on the Palouse, this year’s Vandals will be paying tribute to the legendary coach through the rest of the season, debuting “Coach Monson” patches to be worn on the team’s jerseys.
Eastern Washington has joined in on the efforts to pay respects to the elder coach Monson, as their players and staff will also be wearing the patches on Saturday. Additionally, Cheney High and Pasco High, where Monson began his coaching career from 1958-1976, will don the emblem on their warmup shirts when the new year rolls around.
The badges, personally designed by Assistant Athletic Director of Brand Engagement and Digital Strategy Jerek Wolcott, allow Idaho Athletics to honor the man who made Vandal Hoops great, and showcase the impact that he made on the Palouse and the northwest.