I grew up in Ames and was a long suffering 'Clone basketball and football fan. In the 70's, there were games where only the bottom part of the arena had any fans at all. I went to school there and worked at WOI TV when Johnny camed to ISU. I had a chance to see the "Magic" at it's inception as a fan, and as the guy who carried the cable for the camera man on the floor. It's was euphoric. I never met him, but I remember him coming to the TV studio to do his show once. He had that ear to ear grin and was having a ball. He even brought wine, as a gift to the crew. I haven't been to Hilton since 1985 and decided this was the year I get back. The N. Illinois game was my best shot. We took some of the last available tickets. I wanted my wife to feel an ISU basketball game. I wanted her to fall in love with Ames. I wanted to go back home. Minutes before leaving I heard the news. To see Hilton packed like that, that heartbreaking tribute, Fred's pain, the fans pain, my pain, it was a feeling of graditude mixed with anguish. The moment of silence almost made me show the tears I was surpressing. 14,000 people that included many, many small children, and you could hear a pin drop. I loved that Johnny loved Ames. Hard to describe to people at other places where I've lived, but Ames is an Oasis. Johnny fit there perfectly.

Coach Orr doesn't give himself due credit for the early years at ISU. The fact that a coach from a premier basketball school in Michigan in a premier conference in the Big 10 in 1981 would come to ISU was an immediate boost to fans who knew basketball. His charisma, leadership, and coaching abilities are a rare combination to be found in the sport, and we were lucky enough to have him at our school. Thank you Coach Orr and family, and God bless.

You were the best Coach Orr... On behalf of Iowa, Thank you.

Even us Hawkeyes loved Johnny's charisma! No one like him!

Won't be the same without you, Johnny.

Win the Big 12 for Johnny!

Everything changed for the Cyclone basketball world when ISU hired Johnny Orr.