After watching UN’s thrilling basketball victory over San Diego State last week, I was once again reminded of my first round ball coach, Jim Aiken. When I left you last week, I was in the midst of my first meeting with Aiken prior to my first practice. After I felt I had convinced Coach Aiken that my hands were indeed big enough for basketball and that my mother actually did … [Read more...]
University Football
Every time I read about a new head football coach at the University of Nevada, I am reminded of legendary coach Jim Aiken. Almost everyone that has played for him has his favorite stories about the hard-nosed football mentor. Even this writer has his share. If you have the chance to examine the plaques in the Hall of Fame room located on the lower level of Legacy Hall, you … [Read more...]
Memories of crusty coach Aiken
When we left you last week, we were on our way to Lincoln Hall in the wee hours of a very cold January morning. Having obeyed Coach Jim Aiken’s instructions to go to the Hall, find a bed and call on him in the a.m., I was surprised to find the main door locked. Looking down the covered porch, I saw a single door so I proceeded to bang on it until I had roused Dean Robert … [Read more...]